§ Order for further consideration, as amended, read.
§ Motion made, and Question proposed, That the Bill, as amended, be now considered.
7.24 pm§ Mr. Andrew F. Bennett (Denton and Reddish)On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Last night I was rather disappointed that I sat here for the full three hours of the debate but was unable to catch your eye before the promoters of the Bill moved the closure. I make no complaint about that, but it leads me to think that it is possible that the promoters will seek to move the closure on this first group of amendments some time between now and 10 o'clock. I put it to you, and through you to the promoters, that it might be a little unusual if extra time were to be found for the Bill, in view of the very large amount of parliamentay time that has been consumed by it so far. If the closure were to be moved tonight, it would make it extremely difficult for the promoters to negotiate with those Opposition Members who are a little tired of the Felixstowe Dock and Railway Bill and wish to produce an agreed Bill that might come back to the House at a later stage.
It would be very difficult for the House if new clause 2 were to be defeated tonight as part of a deal with some Opposition Members. I put it to you that it might lead to better progress in the long term if the House did not rush to a speedy vote tonight and if an opportunity could be provided for further negotiations to take place.
§ Mr. Deputy Speaker (Mr. Harold Walker)The hon. Gentleman has raised a number of points, one or two of which are hypothetical. It is not for me to communicate the hon. Gentleman's views to the promoters, but I am sure that his views will be communicated in one way or another.
The hon. Gentleman's question relating to new clause 2 is entirely hypothetical and will be a matter for the judgment of the Chair, in the light of the circumstances.
- New Clause 2
- CONSENT OF SECRETARY OF STATE REQUIRED FOR CERTAIN WORKS 20,294 words, 1 division
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