That Standing Order 47 (No two stages of a Bill to be taken on one day) be dispensed with on Monday 20 July to allow the Consolidated Fund (Appropriation) (No. 2) Bill and the Finance Bill to be taken through their remaining stages that day.

My Lords, will the noble Baroness the Leader of the House give an undertaking that there will be an early response to the report of your Lordships’ Select Committee on the Constitution, published on 7 July, about fast-tracking legislation? Will she also give an undertaking regarding the report’s recommendation that, before seeking to suspend Standing Order 47 that no two stages of a Bill be taken on one day, Ministers should give this House the reasons why the standing order be dispensed with?

My Lords, I think that the noble Lord is probably referring to the next Motion, but I am happy to respond to the point that he makes. As he will know, it is up to the usual channels when a debate takes place, but I fully recognise the importance of the report from your Lordships’ Constitution Committee. It is in all our interests that it should be debated at the earliest opportunity.

I have taken on board the point about a Statement from Ministers if a Bill is to be fast-tracked. I need to consult with others, but I can certainly see the merit in a Minister coming forward to the House with a Statement in some shape or form—it may be a Written Statement; that is yet to be discussed—explaining why a piece of legislation needs to be fast-tracked.

Motion agreed.