§ Mr. Bob Cryer (Bradford, South)On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. It has concerned me for some time that there is an archaic rule whereby, if the Adjournment debate starts before 10.30 pm, transport is not provided for staff although they might not leave the House until 11 pm or after. I understand that a Standing Committee is sitting tonight so that transport will be provided, but I am sure you will appreciate that to have to travel by tube or bus at 11 pm or later, and often for more than an hour, is not a pleasant prospect.
I therefore wonder whether you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, would refer the matter to the relevant Committee to see whether the arbitrary rule according to which staff are denied transport for the sake of a few seconds can be changed to ensure that staff are properly catered for, as there is no doubt that it can be dangerous to travel on public transport late at night.
§ Mr. Dennis Skinner (Bolsover)Further to that point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker.
§ Mr. Deputy Speaker (Mr. Michael Morris)Is it on the same subject?
§ Mr. SkinnerYes. My hon. Friend the Member for Bradford, South (Mr. Cryer) has raised this matter several times and has received some assistance from our Whips Office. When we have two votes, as we had tonight, they take until almost 10.30 pm and all the Members rush out—especially on a Thursday night—with the net result that people cannot get away before 10.30 pm because there is too much congestion. I should have thought that it would be better to relax the rule to 10 o'clock. There is all the talk about Jopling for Members. Why cannot a little committee get together in a huddle to sort out the matter, and then I would not have to speak until 10.30 pm?
§ Mr. Deputy SpeakerI am grateful to hon. Members for raising the point of order. I shall bring it to the attention of the relevant authorities.