HC Deb 04 May 1990 vol 171 c1355
Mr. Jeremy Corbyn (Islington, North)

I beg to move——

Mr. Deputy Speaker

Objection taken.

Mr. Corbyn

I did not hear "Object".

Mr. Deputy Speaker

Do I hear "Object" or not?

Hon. Members

Object.

Mr. Deputy Speaker

If hon. Members are objecting, perhaps they will do so sufficiently loudly for the Chair and the House to be aware of it. Objection taken. Second Reading what day?

Mr. Corbyn

May I be clear? Did the hon. Member for Dorset, North (Mr. Baker) object? I heard no objection when I rose to move the Bill.

Mr. Deputy Speaker

I clearly heard "Object". The House will have heard the objection that was made.

Mr. Corbyn

Will you confirm that the hon. Member for Dorset, North——

Mr. Deputy Speaker

It is not for the Chair to identify hon. Members——

Mr. Corbyn

rose——

Mr. Deputy Speaker

Order. The hon. Gentleman must not be on his feet when I am. He has raised this point on previous occasions and has received the same guidance from the Chair. It is not for the Chair to identify the individual or individuals who register objections. We are in exactly the same position as when the Chair collects the voices on putting the question on any matter. Second Reading what day?

Second Reading deferred till Friday 6 July.

Mr. Corbyn

On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. May I seek your guidance? As I am sure you are aware, the Bill has been before the House many times. It has consistently been frustrated by a conspiracy between the Whips Office and the Trappist tendency of the lower echelons of the Whips Office. How can the Bill be debated so that those who object to it by muttering between their teeth can say why the elimination of poverty among pensioners is not an important matter? I look to you to find some way of debating the Bill in the House.

Mr. Deputy Speaker

That is not my responsibility. Bills are dealt with according to the Standing Orders and procedures of the House. The hon. Gentleman's Bill is being dealt with in that manner, as well he knows.