HC Deb 08 July 1987 vol 119 c354
Mr. Speaker

With the leave of the House, I will put together the two motions on statutory instruments.

Mr. Nigel Spearing (Newham, South)

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Am I correct in saying that if you put the motions separately, as I ask you to do, and if 20 hon. Members rise when the first one is moved, the debate will be taken on the Floor of the House instead of in Committee? Is that a possibility?

Mr. Speaker

Let us see how we go. I will put them separately——

Mr. A. J. Beith (Berwick-upon-Tweed)

Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker

Order. It is perfectly possible to divide on these matters.

Mr. Beith

Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Tony Marlow (Northampton, North)

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker

Order. I cannot listen to two at a time. I call the hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed (Mr. Beith).

Mr. Beith

Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker. Would it not be unfortunate if the important point raised by the hon. Member for Newham, South (Mr. Spearing) led the House to believe that if a debate in Standing Committee was resisted the matter would automatically come to the Floor of the House? Is it not the case that there is no guarantee that the matter would ever be brought to the Floor of the House?

Mr. Speaker

That would be a matter for the Government, but the hon. Member for Newham, South (Mr. Spearing) is correct. If 20 hon. Members stand in their places, the matter could only be dealt with on the Floor of the House, albeit at the Government's discretion.