§ As amended (in the Committee and in the Standing Committee), considered.
3.57 pm§ Mr. Edward Leigh (Gainsborough and Horncastle)On a point of order, Madam Speaker. By long-standing practice, you have the right to reject or accept new clauses and amendments for debate. I seek your guidance. You will have noticed that this morning I tabled new clause 7 for debate. It was signed by more hon. Members than any of the others—50, I think—and was the only one with all-party support. The new clause concerns transferable allowances, which are of vital concern.
From the provisional selection list, I see that you decided not to select my new clause. Without asking you to give your reasons, is it too late to ask you to reconsider, or to give me guidance on when I can raise the matter? From reading the list of amendments that you have selected for debate, it seems to me that there will be no opportunity to debate transferable allowances on the marriage care allowance issue on Report. If that is not possible, could I raise the matter on Third Reading?
I had hoped that, when replying, the Minister would agree that I had made a good point and say that he should produce a report. I am anxious to get the matter on the record and for there to be some debate on this important issue.
§ Madam SpeakerIt is far too late for me to reconsider. I gave full consideration to the new clause this morning. The hon. Gentleman might try to raise the issue on Third Reading if he so wishes. I regret the fact that he has been disappointed, but he has answered the point of order himself: I do not give reasons for non-selection.