§ Lord Mulleyasked the Chairman of Committees:
Whether since the public advertisements concern-ing petitions for consideration by the Select Committee on the Channel Tunnel Bill appeared only a few days before the end of the 14-day permitted period for their receipt, he will seek any necessary authority to allow petitions deposited shortly after the closing date to be accepted.
§ The Chairman of Committees (Lord Aberdare)No, my Lords. There is no formal requirement to advertise petitioning time when a Bill reaches the second House. The Select Committee on the Channel Tunnel Bill expressed some concern about this matter. It was raised by the Chairman of the Select Committee at the beginning of the Committee's proceedings on Monday, 2nd March. The Government's explanation and apology may be found on pages 2 and 3 of the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Select Committee on Monday 2nd March [HL 81-i].