HC Deb 21 February 1992 vol 204 c652

Order read for resuming adjourned debate on Second Reading [31 January].

Hon. Members

Object.

Mr. Deputy Speaker

Objection taken. Debate to be resumed what day?

Mr. Harry Cohen (Leyton)

On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker.

Mr. Alfred Morris (Manchester, Wythenshawe)

I did not hear any objection.

Mr. Cohen

There was no objection.

Mr. Deputy Speaker

I clearly heard an objection, and I am asking the right hon. Gentleman whether he wishes to name a day to resume the debate.

Mr. Morris

Friday next.

Debate to be resumed on Friday 28 February.

Mr. Alfred Morris

On a point of order Mr. Deputy Speaker. Is it not time that the Select Committee on Procedure again looked urgently at what is now a seriously anomalous position? Whereas the television viewer can see who objected—I am now informed that it was the hon. Member for Dorset, North (Mr. Baker), acting for the Government—the reader of Hansard cannot be told who objected. It must be a serious anomaly that one can see on television who destroyed an opportunity to give a Bill a Second Reading but cannot read it in Hansard. Surely that is especially unfortunate in the case of a Bill now being discussed in the House of Lords, which was talked out on 31 January by a Member who has since apologised for his conduct.

Several Hon. Members

rose—

Mr. Deputy Speaker

Order. It has never been the practice for the hon. Member who objects to further proceedings on a Bill to identify himself. The matter has been referred to the Procedure Committee in the past. If the right hon. Gentleman wishes to refer it again, I am sure that he will do so. We must now proceed.

Several Hon. Members

rose—

Mr. Deputy Speaker

Order. I will first take the remaining Orders of the Day.