HC Deb 07 July 1997 vol 297 c628 4.26 pm
Mr. Malcolm Bruce (Gordon)

On a point of order, Madam Speaker. On Thursday in business questions, the Leader of the House said that the draft Finance Bill would be published in advance of Second Reading. It was published late on Friday afternoon, by which time many hon. Members were not here. It contains 53 clauses and eight schedules. Eighteen of those clauses relate to tax credit proposals that were not in the Government's manifesto; they are very much new proposals. We finish the Budget debate today and Second Reading is on Thursday. We do not yet have a Treasury Select Committee. It has been revealed that, apart from taking additional taxes not advertised in advance, the Government have cut public spending by a further £5 billion next year, without it being adequately debated. Can you advise what we can do to ensure that such important matters are given proper time for serious consideration in advance of debates? If this becomes a precedent, that will be impossible, which is unacceptable.

Madam Speaker

The President of the Council made the position quite clear on Thursday after a number of similar questions were put to her. The draft Bill was published on Friday and available to all hon. Members. It has also been on the Internet. The Table Office will be open tomorrow for the tabling of amendments to the Finance Bill.