§ Mrs. Alice Mahon accordingly presented a Bill to give patients certain rights in their dealings with general practitioners: And the same was read the First time; and ordered to be read a Second time tomorrow and to be printed. [Bill 194.]
§ Mr. Dennis Skinner (Bolsover)On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. As you know, it is a long-standing convention that an hon. Member who opposes a ten-minute Bill is supposed to follow his voice with his vote. I did not hear anyone shout "No".
What is more, the hon. Member for Staffordshire, South (Sir P. Cormack) said that it would be a good idea to get rid of ten-minute Bills so close to the end of the Session. As you know, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Back Benchers have lost opportunities to speak on various issues on a number of occasions in recent years. The ten-minute Bill provides hon. Members with an ideal opportunity to advance propositions, although they may not become law. I hope that you will not give consideration to the hon. Gentleman's suggestion, or pass it on.
I should also like to know, Mr. Deputy Speaker, your view of an hon. Member who opposes a ten-minute Bill while making it abundantly clear that he has no interest in voting against it.
§ Mr. Deputy Speaker (Mr. Michael Morris)I refer the hon. Gentleman to page 464 of "Erskine May", on which all will be revealed. It explains that an hon. Member may speak against a ten-minute Bill, but need not voice a "No" when the Question is put.