HC Deb 15 April 1988 vol 131 c520

Read a Second Time.

Bill committed to a Committee of the whole House.—[Sir Brandon Rhys Williams.]

Madam Deputy Speaker

I have to tell the hon. Gentleman that this is a most unusual procedure, but as there is no objection I am willing that it should go ahead.

Bill immediately considered in Committee; reported, without amendment.

Bill read the Third time, and passed.

Sir Brandon Rhys Williams (Kensington)

On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. You said that this was an unusual procedure, and I think I owe the House an explanation. I have tried to introduce a measure along these lines during every Session since 1970—

Madam Deputy Speaker

Order. No explanation is necessary now. We are all very familiar with the fact.

Mr. Chris Smith

On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. Can you confirm that the procedure through which we have just been on an excellent and worthwhile measure, going through all stages at once with no debate, would have been open to any of the other Bills that were listed for consideration today? Will you draw the attention of the Government to the restraint shown by Opposition Members on this matter? Perhaps the Government will show similar restraint in relation to equally worthwhile measures introduced by Opposition Members.

Madam Deputy Speaker

I draw the hon. Gentleman's attention to the fact that many of the Bills have not been printed. We could not have gone through the business with the speed that we have shown today if that had not been the case.

Mr. James Pawsey (Rugby and Kenilworth)

Further to that point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. Perhaps Opposition Members have not worked quite as hard as my hon. Friend the Member for Kensington (Sir B. Rhys Williams), who has been involved—

Madam Deputy Speaker

Order. We are all aware of how hard the hon. Gentleman has worked, and his Bill is quite familiar to us. It has been before the House on a number of occasions.