HC Deb 01 December 1983 vol 49 c1007
Mr. Simon Hughes

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Will you look into the fact that the Town and Country Planning Bill, which we understand will be debated next Wednesday, was unavailable at the beginning of business questions this afternoon, and that, therefore, there will be only four clear days between its availability, if it is available later today, and its coming to the Floor of the House? I understand that the convention in the House is to allow at least two weekends for a Bill to be considered by all interested parties before it is debated.

The Lord Privy Seal and Leader of the House of Commons (Mr. John Biffen)

Although the Bill will be available later this afternoon, it is true that there will not be two weekends before it is debated. Although that has been the convention, it is not an iron rule.