§ Mr. DobsonOn a point of order, Mr. Speaker. The point of order that I wish to raise does not touch on parliamentary privilege. However, if the business of the House persists as the Leader of the House intends, the issue that I wish to raise will reflect on the House. At 10 pm on Wednesday, we are expected to consider the Lords' amendments to the Transport Bill. The House of Lords completed the report stage of the Bill only on 19 June. The copy of the Lords amendments became available to hon. Members only on Saturday morning. Any amendments must be tabled by the end of today's business. There are no less than 135 Lords amendments to the Transport Bill, including more than 20 that directly affect railway pensioners.
I declare an interest, as I am sponsored by the National Union of Railwaymen. I found it impossible to consult the union's experts on pensions, or those of British rail. In those circumstances, I find it impossible to table sensible, properly thought out and professionally advised amendments to those put forward by the House of Lords. It is disgraceful that the pensions of tens of thousands of working people may be adversely affected because of a defect in our procedures.
It is highly unlikely that the House would consider its own pension provisions at three days' notice. I hope, therefore, that you will make representations through the usual channels, Mr. Speaker, to ensure that the interests of many, and 32 of those whom I represent, are properly considered, and are not dealt with badly, in a hurried way.
§ Mr BoothFurther to that point of order, Mr. Speaker. Among the 135 amendments to the Transport Bill there are 12 new clauses. It would have been impossible for the House of Commons to be aware of that on Thursday, when the business of the House was considered. In accordance with procedures in the other place, amendments can be made on Third Reading. In those circumstances, Mr. Speaker, is it not appropriate that the Leader of the House should reconsider this item of business, which is set down for Wednesday of this week?
§ Mr. SpeakerI have allowed the right hon. Gentleman and hon. Gentleman to make their points, although they realise that I cannot rule on such issues. Their points refer to the business of the House, and that lies in other hands.