HC Deb 19 July 2004 vol 424 cc99-100

  1. 1. Paragraphs 4 and 5 of the order shall be omitted.
  2. 2. Proceedings on consideration and Third Reading shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion:

  1. (a) at the moment of interruption at this day's sitting, or
  2. (b) one hour after the commencement of proceedings on the motion for this order, whichever is the later.

The Bill has received cross-party support, which was reflected in its smooth passage on Second Reading and in Committee. I hope that the motion will command widespread support, and I commend it to the House.

8.22 pm
Mr. Bill Wiggin (Leominster) (Con)

We would normally object to a programme motion, because it is not the way in which to get the proper debate that measures need. However, under the circumstances and because we have found so much that is positive in the Bill, it is difficult to press for a Division. I shall therefore not object at this stage.

8.23 pm
Mr. John Redwood (Wokingham) (Con)

Hon. Members who are in the Chamber for this important debate would like to hear a little more from the Under-Secretary about the reasons for rushing the measure through. It is not good for parliamentary debate when we have plenty of time—the evening is yet young—and the big business has already been tackled if the Under- Secretary simply comes to the Dispatch Box and says nothing by way of introduction to what, I am sure, he regards as an important Bill for Wales. [Interruption.]

Madam Deputy Speaker (Sylvia Heal)

Order. Would hon. Members who do not wish to be present for the debate please leave the Chamber quietly?

Mr. Redwood

To satisfy me that we can complete our proceedings in the specified time, it would be useful if, to avoid delay or a possible Division, the Under-Secretary would explain why he believes that the remaining issues can be tackled in the stated time.

8.24 pm
Mr. Touhig

I shall happily respond to the right hon. Member for Wokingham (Mr. Redwood), who had responsibility for Welsh matters in a previous incarnation. The Bill received detailed consideration in the other place. In Committee, I said to the right hon., I mean, the hon. Member for Leominster (Mr. Wiggin)—he is not yet right hon., but you never know—that the Bill was assisted by the comments and contributions of the Opposition parties. We completed the Committee stage in less than one day.

Mr. Eric Forth (Bromley and Chislehurst) (Con)

What?

Mr. Touhig

The right hon. Gentleman suggests that that is outrageous. If he paid attention to the pre-legislative scrutiny, which is now custom and practice when we deal with Welsh legislation, he might not think that it is outrageous. The Bill was considered in Committee, with 40-odd amendments tabled by the hon. Member for Leominster. They all received extensive consideration.

Pre-legislative scrutiny also took place. The Welsh Affairs Committee produced a report, the relevant Assembly Committee produced a report and the Welsh Grand Committee debated the Bill a year ago. The measure has received much consideration and enjoys widespread support from all parties. I therefore hope that we can proceed to debating the amendment.

Question put and agreed to.