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Local Government Bill

Volume 82: debated on Monday 8 July 1985

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On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. As a fellow keeper of law and order in debating chambers, may I crave your indulgence—especially as the Leader of the House is present—on an important matter relating to the business on which we are about to embark? Until Thursday, hon. Members were unaware of its timetabling, which has clearly left hon. Members on both sides of the House insufficient time to consider the reasoned amendments made by their Lordships in another place.

The complication arises because, I assume, it was organised some time ago that the Scottish Grand Committee should meet this morning at the Crown Office buildings in Regent road, Edinburgh. How is it possible for hon. Members in this Chamber so to delay the commencement of the next piece of business that it will allow a number of concerned Scottish Members to get back to the House to vote?

The hon. Gentleman shares with me an extremely difficult task, but I do not think that he would expect me to advise him on tactics, any more than he would advise his members in county hall on the tactics that they might use.