HL Deb 14 April 1978 vol 947 cc1907-8

Order for Committee read.

Hon. Members

Object.

Mr. Deputy Speaker (Sir Myer Galpern)

Objection taken.

Several Hon. Members

On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker.

Mr. Deputy Speaker

Objection taken. There is nothing I can do about it.

Mr. Cyril D. Townsend (Bexleyheath)

On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Is there no protection which the Chair can give to a Private Member's Bill which has just been objected to—

Mr. Deputy Speaker

Order. The Chair has to conform and act in the interests of the House according to the Standing Orders. It is in order for any hon. Member to say "Object" to the Bill. That is all I can do about it.

Several Hon. Members

rose—

Mr. Townsend

Further to that point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Bearing in mind that the Government are supporting the Bill, may I ask, through the Chair, what plans they have to facilitate its passage?

Mr. Deputy Speaker

That is not a matter for the Chair. That is a matter for the Leader of the House.

Several Hon. Members

rose—

Mr. Deputy Speaker

Objection taken. I shall not carry on with points of order, because no points of order arise.

Several Hon. Members

rose—

Mr. Deputy Speaker

This is the last point of order that I shall take. Mr. Nicholas Scott.

Mr. Nicholas Scott (Chelsea)

Can we be assured that it will be on the record that it was the hon. Member for Bethnal Green and Bow (Mr. Mikardo) who, out of sheer spite, has put the children of this country at risk?

Mr. Deputy Speaker

The hon. Gentleman has now ensured that, because his remarks will be recorded in Hansard.

Several Hon. Members

rose—

Mr. Deputy Speaker

I am taking no more points of order. Objection taken. Committee what day?

Mr. Townsend

Monday next.

Committee upon Monday next.