HC Deb 05 November 2002 vol 392 cc146-244

Lords amendments considered.

3.42 pm
Simon Hughes (Southwark, North and Bermondsey)

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate that hon. Members want to get on with the substantive debate, since we have a guillotine, to which we agreed because we have limited time. We are not comfortable with it but we accept it in the circumstances. I want to register an anxiety on which you may be able to reflect.

I understand the pressures on the Home Secretary and I do not make a personal criticism of him, but is it desirable for Government amendments to Lords amendments to be tabled in the last few minutes of the previous day's proceedings? The few hours since the Vote Office opened this morning constituted our only opportunity to take advice on them. We all understand end-of-term pressures, but perhaps you could suggest that it would be at least helpful, if not the norm, to have earlier notice, especially of Government amendments to a Government Bill.

Mr. Speaker

I have some sympathy with the hon. Gentleman's views. It is up to Ministers to look into the matter but we can do nothing about it today.

I draw the attention of the House to the fact that privilege is involved in Lords amendments Nos. 24, 36, 37, 40, 48, 84 to 86, 99, 102, 179, 190, 214, 215 and 276, which are to be considered today. If the House agrees to these Lords amendments, I shall ensure that the appropriate entry is made in the journal.

  1. Clause 4
      2. cc146-9
    1. DEPRIVATION OF CITIZENSHIP 1,391 words
  2. Clause 14
      3. cc149-87
    1. ESTABLISHMENT OF CENTRES 20,418 words, 1 division
  3. Clause 15
      4. cc187-90
    1. SUPPORT FOR DESTITUTE ASYLUM-SEEKER 1,651 words, 1 division
  4. Clause 61
      5. cc190-7
    1. SERIOUS CRIMINAL 3,501 words, 1 division
    cc197-207
  5. New Clause 5,481 words, 2 divisions
  6. Clause 69
      7. cc207-22
    1. ADJUDICATORS 8,470 words
  7. Clause 82
      8. cc222-8
    1. APPEAL FROM WITHIN UNITED KINGDOM: UNFOUNDED HUMAN RIGHTS OR ASYLUM CLAIM 3,108 words, 2 divisions
    cc228-38
  8. After clause 13 4,984 words
    9. cc238-44
  9. New Clause 3,201 words, 2 divisions
    10. c244
  10. BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE 35 words
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