HC Deb 14 May 2003 vol 405 c315 12.31 pm
Pete Wishart (North Tayside)

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday, the Paymaster General made much of the fact that the amendments selected for debate in respect of the Finance Bill had been tabled by Opposition parties, but the impact of the programming has been such that the sheer number of clauses to be debated and the amount of amendments tabled by the Conservatives mean that we will have no opportunity this evening to discuss the amendments tabled by the Scottish National party. We will not, therefore, have an opportunity to discuss issues that are fundamental to the Scottish economy, such as oil and whisky revenue. What should we in the minority Opposition parties do to ensure that our amendments are debated? What can you do to ensure that minority parties' amendments are debated?

Mr. Speaker

Like other hon. Members, the hon. Gentleman is bound by the programme motion, which has been decided. Of course, the Finance Bill will also be dealt with in Committee, and it is up to him and his hon. Friends to seek opportunities to raise the matters about which he is so concerned.