§ Mrs. Gwyneth Dunwoody (Crewe and Nantwich)On a point of order, Madam Speaker. Have you been consulted about the British Coal and British Rail (Transfer Proposals) Bill—a major Bill that affects the coal industry and British Rail? It is so vaguely drafted that, instead of the 100-clause Bill that the House has the right to expect, which would delineate its powers and responsibilities, it is being asked to consider a Bill that is vaguer than some of the European directives to which we object and which normally do not apply. Have you been consulted about this growing practice of the Government?
§ Madam SpeakerI have, of course, looked carefully at the Bill but it is not my responsibility to draw up legislation. The hon. Lady makes an interesting point, but I suggest that she catches the eye of the occupant of the Chair and raises it in the debate. I am sure that that would be the appropriate time to do so.
§ Mr. George Foulkes (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley)Further to that point of order, Madam Speaker.
§ Madam SpeakerI doubt that there can be a further point of order once I have dealt with it.
§ Mr. FoulkesYou said—
§ Madam SpeakerOrder. Is it a further or a new point of order?
§ Mr. Robert Adley (Christchurch)The hon. Gentleman is a bit slow today.
§ Mr. FoulkesYes, a bit slow this morning—this afternoon. [Laughter.] On a new point of order, Madam Speaker. Were you advised about the hybridity of the Bill, and, if so, what advice did you receive?
§ Madam SpeakerI have been advised about the hybridity of the Bill: the Bill is not hybrid. We can now proceed.