HC Deb 17 July 2000 vol 354 c74

7.—(1) The proceedings on any Motion made by a Minister of the Crown for varying or supplementing the provisions of this Order shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion one hour after their commencement; and paragraph (1) of Standing Order No. 15 (Exempted business) shall apply to those proceedings.

(2) If at the sitting this day the House is adjourned, or the sitting is suspended, before the time at which proceedings on the Bill are to be brought to a conclusion under paragraph 1, no notice shall be required of a Motion made at the next sitting by a Minister of the Crown for varying or supplementing the provisions of this Order.

Mr. Roger Gale (North Thanet)

On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. In its wisdom, the House has passed an amendment to the motion ensuring that Third Reading shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at 5 am on 18th July. You will know that the Order Paper for tomorrow will carry the date 18 July, but the convention and tradition of the House is that the House remains in the day on which it is sitting until the Adjournment or the rise of the House on that day. That will mean that the House must adjourn prior to the conclusion of the Third Reading, in order that the Third Reading may end on 18 July. That is immensely wise, as it will give us time for further consideration. What representations have you received to indicate at what time on 17 July the House will adjourn, in order for us to reach 18 July?

Mr. Deputy Speaker (Mr. Michael J. Martin)

I have received no representations. I can tell the hon. Gentleman that sometimes, at 5 o'clock in the morning, I lose track of the date, but I certainly do not lose track of the time. The House will manage to get through the proceedings all right.