HL Deb 24 October 1983 vol 444 cc11-2

3.8 p.m.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Elton)

My Lords, I beg to move the Motion standing in my name on the Order Paper.

Moved, That the amendments for the Report stage be marshalled and considered in the following order:

Clauses 1 and 2,

Schedule 1,

Clause 3,

Schedule 2,

Clauses 4 to 13,

Schedule 3,

Clauses 14 to 16,

Schedule 4,

Clauses 17 to 41.

—(Lord Elton.)

Lord Hatch of Lusby

My Lords, it would seem to be the right time just to put in one plea to the noble Lord. I should like to suggest that in future he has some words with those who organise Government business, so that on the first day that we return after a recess we are not faced with the Report stage of a Bill. I know that we were given long notice of this, but does the noble Lord not realise that those of us who do not live in London have great difficulty in examining the amendments that are put down to a Bill of this character in the week preceding our return, and that it would have been much better and the Bill could have been much better considered if the Government had postponed the Report stage at least for a day or two until we had had the opportunity of examining, and consulting together on, the amendments that we have been able to see only today?

Lord Elton

My Lords, of course I shall take on board what the noble Lord has said. I am quite accustomed to taking business on the first day and last day of every Session. It is easier if noble Lords are aware of what is on the Order Paper, but I dare say that the noble Lord could in fact have himself informed by post from the Printed Paper Office. Nevertheless, I shall pass the noble Lord's concern to my friends.

On Question, Motion agreed to.