HC Deb 20 March 1989 vol 149 c735 3.45 pm
Mr. Dafydd Wigley (Caernarfon)

On a different point of order, Mr. Speaker. When the business of the House was announced on Thursday last week no reference was made to the fact that we would be asked to debate later tonight the Water Bill money resolution. I understand that money resolutions are normally appended to other substantive matters that come before the House. No statement was made on Friday and no notification has been given to the parties at any stage since last Thursday that this matter would be forthcoming.

I ask for your guidance, Mr. Speaker, as to what defence we have when the first that we hear of substantive matters of significance to the Water Bill is when we pick up our Order Papers. Is that in order?

Mr. Speaker

I understand that the money resolution arises from amendments to be made to the Bill. That is a question to be asked during the debate later this evening.

Mr. Wigley

I am sorry, Mr. Speaker, but I have a further point of order. No doubt the money resolution is a matter that arises from amendments to the Bill, but the Bill is being debated tomorrow and on Wednesday and there will be time then to debate the substance of the money resolution. When we went away last week we were not under the impression—nor were we given any indication or guidance—that the Water Bill would be considered tonight, whether on this amendment or on anything else. We are in an impossible situation, because all our papers are lined up to be here tomorrow and not today.

Mr. Speaker

That is in order, and it has frequently been done. I believe that those are matters that the hon. Gentleman must argue tonight; if he objects, he must vote against the money resolution.