HC Deb 16 January 2001 vol 361 cc313-4

Queen's recommendation having been signified—

Motion made, and Question put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 52(1)(a)(Money resolutions and ways and means resolutions in connection with bills), That, for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Children's Commissioner for Wales Bill, it is expedient to authorise the payment out of money provided by Parliament of any increase attributable to the Act in the sums payable out of money so provided under any other Act.—[Mr. Touhig] Question agreed to.

Mr. Leigh

On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. The next item for debate is the Education (School Teachers' Pay and Conditions) (No. 4) Order 2000, and it is very important. However, the Order Paper states that the Question will be put after 1½ hours or at 11.30 pm, whichever is earlier. It is now 11.18 pm. Given the interest in the matter, how can we have a serious debate in just 12 minutes? Is there any way, under our procedures, that Parliament can do its proper job and hold a serious debate?

Madam Deputy Speaker

Debate on the motion must end at 11.30. I shall consider then whether to use my powers to adjourn the debate, rather than put the Question.

Mr. Bercow

On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. I seek your guidance as to whether, in the heavily circumscribed period available for debate, it is expected or obligatory that, even if there is not time for Back-Bench contributions, all three Front-Bench contributions will be made and heard.

Madam Deputy Speaker

My answer to an earlier point of order indicates the way in which I intend to conduct the debate.

Mr. Eric Forth (Bromley and Chislehurst)

Further to that point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. I think it would help the House if you would give your guidance as to whether your judgment will be affected by the length of speeches even in the very brief time available, and whether more than one contribution has been allowed for in that period of time. That would enable, for example, the person who first catches your eye to decide how to structure the debate in order to allow you to make your judgment at the end of the time available.

Madam Deputy Speaker

It would certainly help me make my judgment if we could proceed with the debate.

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