Social Security Bill (Hansard, 19 May 1986)

§ Mrs. Margaret Beckett (Derby, South)
On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I am not sure whether this is the right time to raise this matter, but I am sure that you will tell me if it is not.
Since the Business Committee met to consider the order in which the Bill would be debated and the way in which it would be taken, there have been two important developments. First, the Government have tabled a new clause which reschedules a debate which would have come tomorrow. Secondly, the Government have made an important announcement, of which we had no warning, which makes a difference to the length of a debate which might otherwise have been proposed and possibly accepted. I wonder whether there is any possibility of the Business Committee reconvening to consider the order — I refer to its doing so much later tonight, not immediately.

§ Mr. Speaker
It might have been a little easier for me if the hon. Lady had raised her point of order before I had put the Question on the motion. I shall look carefully at my selection tomorrow, hopefully to meet the hon. Lady's point. Will that help?

§ Mrs. Beckett
I am not sure that it will unless starred amendments are taken. I apologise. I had intended to raise the matter earlier, but we were discussing at what point to raise the matter when you put the Question on the motion. I apologise. That was my fault.

§ Mr. Speaker
I shall look carefully at any starred amendments tomorrow and I hope that that will help the House.

§ Mr. Archy Kirkwood (Roxburgh and Berwickshire)
On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. The Clerks have laboured hard and honourably, but my name has slipped to the tail of amendment No. 60 and I wonder whether, for the avoidance of doubt, it could be removed in due course.

§ Mr. Speaker
I shall ensure that it is.