§ Mr. Deputy Speaker (Mr. Michael Lord)Queen's consent has not been signified. Second Reading what day?
§ Mr. Tam Dalyell (Linlithgow)Friday 23 July.
On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker, concerning Queen's consent. Is there not an issue for Parliament here? When a matter involves the House of Commons and its debates, and whether there should be parliamentary approval for military action—in this case in Iraq, but the same would apply to Kosovo—is it right that there should have to be Queen's consent? My objection is not against the Palace; it is a point of principle as to whether it should be for the House of Commons alone to make up its mind on what can and cannot be debated.
§ Mr. Deputy SpeakerThe reason why Queen's consent has not been obtained is not a matter for the Chair. As the House knows, and as "Erskine May" on page 605 makes plain, without Queen's consent, I cannot propose the question on the Second Reading.