HC Deb 22 January 1986 vol 90 c305 3.31 pm
Mr. Simon Hughes (Southwark and Bermondsey)

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I seek your guidance on a matter that arose in Standing Committee this morning. The Fourth Standing Committee on Statutory Instruments sat this morning to consider the Local Government Reorganisation (Transitional Provisions) Order 1985, which deals with transitional powers as a result of the abolition of the Greater London council at the end of March.

At the end of the debate, when the Question was put that the instrument be considered by the Committee, there was a tie of seven votes for the Government and seven votes for the Opposition. The Chairman of the Committee cast his casting vote with the Government. A perusal of "Erskine May" does not appear to reveal any precedent to suggest that it is appropriate for a casting vote to be used in that way. I make no criticism of the Chairman. However, I understand from the advice that I have taken since then, that such a case is extremely rare. I ask your guidance about whether it would be appropriate in future cases of a tie to follow the precedent that allows the matter, if the Government permit, to be raised again on the Floor of the House, rather than to be defeated by the casting vote, which precludes further debate.

Mr. Speaker

I have no responsibility for what goes on in Standing Committees. That is not a matter for me.

Dr. David Owen (Plymouth, Devonport)

On a point of order—

Mr. Dennis Skinner (Bolsover)

Further to the point of order, Mr. Speaker. I was on the Committee—

Mr. Speaker

Order. I did not call the hon. Member for Bolsover (Mr. Skinner).

Mr. Skinner

But this is on the same point of order—

Mr. Speaker

Order. I do not care. I did not call the hon. Member.