§ Pete Wishart (North Tayside)On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Have you received any explanation as to why it is so cold in this place?
§ Mr. SpeakerThe hon. Gentleman is a Scotsman, like myself. We do not feel the cold.
§ Mr. William Cash (Stone)On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. We are about to embark on Second Reading of the European Parliamentary and Local Elections (Pilots) Bill, but before doing so I want to mention one important matter. Lord Bethell retired as a Conservative Member of the European Parliament on 30 September. The Government should have nominated the next Conservative on the list to replace him, but that has not yet happened, despite the fact that representations have been made. An element of disenfranchisement is therefore taking place, so could the Government, through your good offices, Mr. Speaker, be encouraged to ensure that the next person on the list is nominated as soon as possible?
§ Mr. SpeakerI have no powers in these matters, except to say that I wish Lord Bethell well in his retirement.
§ Mr. John Bercow (Buckingham)Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker. Is it in order for me to point out that Lord Bethell is a constituent of mine, and that he has been a first-class public servant over many decades?
§ Mr. SpeakerLord Bethell is a very fortunate man to have the hon. Gentleman as his MP.