HC Deb 13 December 2000 vol 359 c657 4.28 pm
Dr. Liam Fox (Woodspring)

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. You will be well aware of the controversy surrounding the changes that the Government intend to make to the human fertilisation and embryology legislation. Strong views are held by Members on both sides of the House on that important issue. Therefore, it is of great importance that any changes be fully considered in the House, with Members enjoying full access to outside expertise.

On 7 December, the Leader of the House, who is in her place, announced a second debate for this Friday. She said: we have already had a one-day debate on the matter on a Friday . that was followed by publication of draft regulations, which the House and those outside could study. The debate that I have just announced is a follow-up debate, in which the draft regulations can be discussed and in which Members can air their views.—[Official Report, 7 December 2000; Vol. 359, c. 123.] Today, without warning, the Government produced new draft regulations, but gave no extra time for their consideration. Indeed, I understand that the House will be asked to make a final decision next Tuesday, less than four working days after publication of the draft regulations.

Many Members on both sides of the House will regard that as indecent haste on an important topic, and think that both the House of Commons and the public are being treated with contempt. In your role as the protector of the House's rights, can we prevail upon you to ask the Government to think again to give everyone involved in that important debate time to consider the changes that they have announced today?

Mr. Speaker

I understand the hon. Gentleman's concern, but he will know that that is not a matter for the Chair. He will have an opportunity to ventilate his concerns during the debate on Friday.