HC Deb 19 April 1991 vol 189 c742

Order for Second Reading read.

Hon. Members

Object.

Second Reading deferred till Friday 26 April.

Mr. Corbyn

On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Am I right in thinking that it was the hon. Member for Dorset, North (Mr. Baker) who objected to all but two of those Bills—including my Elimination of Poverty in Retirement Bill? If so, can Hansard record it, so that the people will know who is objecting?

Mr. Deputy Speaker

The identity of hon. Members who object to Bills is not recorded.

Mr. Cohen

On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Surely it was out of order for an objection to be taken before I had moved the Second Reading of my Hare Coursing Bill. As a result, it was impossible to tell who had objected. If it was the Government Whip, that is significant: many animal lovers who want an end to hare coursing would be annoyed if the Government were responsible for the objection, and will take that into account.

Mr. Deputy Speaker

The procedure was perfectly in order. Objections can be taken at any point immediately after the title of a Bill has been read out.

Mr. James Arbuthnot (Wanstead and Woodford)

On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I must plead guilty to making a fundamental mistake in objecting to the Smoke Detectors Bill. I understand that the Bill to which I objected is entirely different from its predecessor and I wish to withdraw my objection if that is possible.

Mr. Deputy Speaker

I am afraid that the hon. Gentleman cannot do that. At least he has been able to record the fact that he made an error; the objection must stand, however.

Mr. Corbyn

On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker.

Mr. Deputy Speaker

Order. I have already dealt with the hon. Gentleman's point. He will take time away from the Adjournment debate.

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