HC Deb 15 December 1992 vol 216 c133W
Sir Peter Emery

To ask the Lord President of the Council if he will now respond to the second report of Session 1991–92 from the Select Committee on Procedure relating to the Chair's discretion to extend the time allowed for a Division.

Mr. Newton

I have now considered this report and agree with the main recommendation that the existing discretion of the Chair as set out in Standing Order No. 37 should remain unchanged. The other recommendations flow from that and are matters already within the discretion of Madam Speaker and other House authorities. The separate proposal to amend Standing Order No. 37 to bring it into line with current practice and remove a confusing ambiguity will be implemented at a convenient opportunity.