HC Deb 23 January 1985 vol 71 c1096

Order for Second Reading read.

Question, That the Bill be now read a Second time, put forthwith pursuant to Standing Order No. 113 (Consolidated Fund Bills), and agreed to.

Bill accordingly read a Second time.

Question, That the Bill be now read the Third time, put and agreed to.

Bill accordingly read the Third time, and passed.

11.44 pm
Mr. Nigel Spearing (Newham, South)

On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Can you confirm that while, of course, Standing Order 113(1) permits the procedure we have just been through, Standing Order 113(2) would permit, if the Government so wished, a motion for the Adjournment to be moved to enable us to debate any matter which any hon. Member wished to raise? This is the first time, as I understand it, that the Consolidated Fund Bill has been used in respect of a Supplementary Estimate. Can you confirm that in this instance it is likely that the Adjournment will not be moved so that if the Procedure Committee reconsiders the procedure for Supply and wishes to consider this precedent which separates the Consolidated Fund Bill from any discussion it can do so? Can you confirm, Mr. Deputy Speaker, that my interpretation of the Standing Order is correct?

Mr. Deputy Speaker (Mr. Ernest Armstrong)

The hon. Gentleman is quite correct, and I am grateful to him for giving me notice that he would raise a point of order.