HC Deb 06 February 1989 vol 146 c704
Madam Deputy Speaker (Miss Betty Boothroyd)

The Clerk will now proceed to read the titles of the private Bills set down for consideration at this hour.

Mr. Andrew F. Bennett (Denton and Reddish)

On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. Could you confirm that, although we are about to debate the British Railways (Penalty Fares) Bill, it will be in order for hon. Members to refer to points relating to the London Regional Transport (Penalty Fares) Bill? I am sure that you agree that the two Bills cover much the same principle of penalty fares, although they cover entirely different geographical areas. It would be for the convenience of the House if at least some general debate could take place, although obviously there will be two separate votes and two separate sessions of debate.

Madam Deputy Speaker

The hon. Gentleman is quite correct. The two Bills will be taken separately, but clearly the one impinges on the other. I am fairly tolerant and will allow quite a wide debate, although hon. Members must of course not make it too wide.