HC Deb 02 March 1995 vol 255 cc1214-5 5.16 pm
Mr. Tony Banks (Newham, North-West)

On a point of order, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker

It would not be a normal day without a point of order from the hon. Gentleman.

Mr. Banks

That is slightly unkind, but I shall have to stand here and take it.

Perhaps you could give the House guidance and direction, Madam Speaker. As my hon. Friend the Member for Derbyshire, North-East (Mr. Barnes) has reminded us, tomorrow we shall debate the Wild Mammals (Protection) Bill. It is possible that under our procedures someone from the pro-hunting lobby will attempt to talk it out. It will be necessary for us to have 100 hon. Members here, which is rather a large number for a Friday. Letters are circulating and advice is being given to hon. Members by those from the pro-hunting lobby that there will be no vote tomorrow. That is untrue. My hon. Friend the Member for Dumbarton (Mr. McFall) is quite insistent that there will be at least one and probably two votes. It seems that there is an element of dirty tricks and I hope that you will make it quite clear to all hon. Members that you would not approve or condone attempts to sabotage a private Members' Bill.

Madam Speaker

It is very difficult to sabotage private Members' Bills. As the hon. Gentleman may well know, that was not a point of order but a point of information and publicity, which he handled rather well. Perhaps we may now move to the Adjournment motion.

Mr. Michael Stephen (Shoreham)

On a point of order, Madam Speaker. Has it ever been known for the hon. Member for Bolsover (Mr. Skinner) to sabotage a private Member's Bill?

Madam Speaker

I am in the business not of sabotage but of getting on with the debate on Welsh affairs. The Welsh have waited a long time for that.

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