HC Deb 28 October 1986 vol 103 c225 7.11 pm
Mr. Simon Hughes (Southwark and Bermondsey)

On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. During the course of the last debate in the other place on the Housing and Planning Bill the Government were defeated on certain amendments moved on Third Reading. That followed defeats in the other place in Committee and on Report.

I wonder whether through you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, I could ask the Government Front Bench to ask their colleagues whether we may have a statement tomorrow, in some form or other, on whether the Government are proposing to reverse specifically their view on the important matter on which they were defeated tonight—homelessness. It is a matter which has caused equivocation and concern in the past. More importantly, I request information about the expedition of business this week and next.

There are similar provisions and amendments in relation to the Housing (Scotland) Bill, which again has to complete its stages through both Houses before the end of this Session. If amendments are to be tabled with the normal two days' clear notice before debate in the House next week, it will be helpful if, before the business statement on Thursday, we know the Government's attitude to what has happened in the other place.

Mr. Deputy Speaker (Sir Paul Dean)

The hon. Gentleman has made his point, which is now on the record. He will be aware that it is not a matter for the Chair, and there is no comment that I can make.