§ Order for Second Reading read.
§ Mr. Roger Gale (North Thanet)On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. You are aware that this Bill has been through another place on two separate occasions, has been considered by a House of Lords Select Committee and, in part at least, contains the recommendations of the Select Committee on Home Affairs. Today, my right hon. and learned Friend the Home Secretary wrote to me to the effect that the Home Office could not approve the Bill, important though it is, because he is still considering the findings of the Select Committee on Home Affairs. That report was lodged with the Home Secretary before Christmas and it is now mid-February.
I require your assistance, Madam Deputy Speaker, because 28 February is the last day in this Parliament when such Bills can be considered. Will you, through Madam Speaker, exercise the traditional duty of the Speaker and protect the privileges of Back Benchers, by 592 ensuring that the Home Secretary responds to the Select Committee report in time for that response to be considered before 28 February?
§ Madam Deputy SpeakerI do not think that the Chair has any official standing on the matter, but no doubt the remarks will have been heard in the correct places.