HC Deb 10 June 1980 vol 986 c276

Read a Second time and committed.

Mr. Harrison

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Reverting to the South Yorkshire Bill, the Rev. Ian Paisley and Mr. Peter Robinson——

Mr. Speaker

Order. Would the right hon. Gentleman name them by their constituencies, if he knows them?

Mr. Harrison

I cannot, Mr. Speaker. I am talking about 10 per centers and their 10 per cent. Division record. Are they present? Is this their usual practice?

Mr. Speaker

I would not know. I cannot see them. They may be on the premises. [Interruption.] I was asked only whether they were here.

Mr. Skinner

Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker. It is appreciated that one of the ways in which Bills are blocked is by the common usage of the blocking motion, which means that there has to be consideration of the matter, by the Chairman of Ways and Means regarding time for debate. The practice is generally accepted by most hon. Members, who are prepared to be here on many of the occasions on which blocking motions appear on the Order Paper. But most hon. Members on both sides of the House take great exception to someone putting down a blocking motion for many months, never being seen and having a Division record of about 10 per cent.

Mr. Speaker

That is not a matter on which I can rule, but I have noted—and the House has noted—the expression of opinion.