HC Deb 24 July 1991 vol 195 c1266

Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House takes note of European Community Document No. 6033/090 and the supplementary explanatory memorandum submitted by the Department of Trade and Industry on 5th June 1991, relating to supplementary protection certificates for medicinal products; and supports the Government's intention to ensure that a proper balance is achieved between the various interests involved before any agreement is reached, but considers that the European Commission's proposal is a good basis for achieving this.—[Mr. Sackville.]

10.32 pm
Dr. Norman A. Godman (Greenock and Port Glasgow)

On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I promise not to detain the House for more than a few seconds, but I am a little concerned about the contents of the motion.

On 17 June, the hon. Member for Caernarfon (Mr. Wigley) and I complained about the way in which Hansard had reported the motion passed by European Standing Committee B in respect of the European Community document in question.

I seek your advice, Mr. Deputy Speaker, because the present motion does not reflect accurately the motion that was passed by European Standing Committee B on 12 June. In that respect, I believe that it is inaccurate and —at least until I hear your advice, Mr. Deputy Speaker —I do not believe that it should be passed by the House. The motion agreed by the Committee referred to the need to protect the United Kingdom economy and the national health service, and to the interests of patients. Those interests are excluded from the wording of the motion on the Order Paper.

Mr. Deputy Speaker (Sir Paul Dean)

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for giving me notice that he intended to raise the matter. He is perfectly correct to say that the motion before the House—No. 9 on the Order Paper—is not couched in the same terms as the resolution on the document agreed by the Standing Committee. I am assured that that is not a mistake. What is proposed is in order. There are two courses open to the hon. Gentleman: he can vote against the motion tonight, or he can submit any complaint that he may have about the wording of the motion to the Procedure Committee, which is currently examining this very matter.

Question put and agreed to.

Motion made, and Question put forthwith pursuant to Standing Order No. 102(9) ( European Standing Committees).