HC Deb 26 February 1982 vol 18 c1150

Order for Second Reading read.

Hon. Members

Object.

Mr. Deputy Speaker (Mr. Bernard Weatherill)

Objection taken——

Mr. Michael English (Nottingham, West)

On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Hon. Members cannot object to something that has not been moved, and it cannot be moved because the Queen's consent has to be signified.

Mr. Deputy Speaker

Order. The hon. Gentleman is a very experienced parliamentarian. He knows that, under Standing Orders Nos. 1 and 5, opposed business cannot be taken at this time.

Second Reading deferred till Friday 5 March.

Mr. English

On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I do not think that it is appropriate that the Queen's consent should have to be given for a Bill of this nature. It was never given to the Act of Settlement or to the Treaty of Union with Scotland. Indeed, the whole procedure of the Queen's consent was invented in 1728.

Mr. Deputy Speaker

Order. The hon. Gentleman knows that that is not a point of order. I may say to him for the future—indeed, for next Friday—that Mr. Speaker is entirely satisfied that the Queen's consent is required for his Bill.