§ The Minister for Pensions (Malcolm Wicks)I beg to move,
That, in accordance with the resolution of the Standing Committee of 25th May, the Programme Order of 12th May in relation to the Age-Related Payments Bill be varied as follows:
Consideration and Third Reading
1. Paragraphs 4 and 5 of the Order (consideration and Third Reading) shall be omitted.
2. Proceedings on consideration and Third Reading shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion three hours after the commencement of proceedings on consideration or, if earlier, at the moment of interruption.
The Age-Related Payments Bill is a short and relatively simple measure. Following scrutiny during two sittings of Standing Committee D, we are now returning to the House for consideration and Third Reading. The Standing Committee agreed the terms of the programme motion without dissent. As my hon. Friend the Member for Bexleyheath and Crayford (Mr. Beard) was just saying, where the light shines, happiness reigns, and I hope that that might continue for the next three hours.
§ Question put and agreed to.