Sir Patrick Cormack FSA

Conservative Party | Staffordshire South

Point of Order

Sir Patrick Cormack (South Staffordshire) (Con): Further to that point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. May we also have some guidance on the precise times that are being proposed, first, for Second Reading and, secondly, for Committee?

Simon Hughes (North Southwark and Bermondsey) (LD): Further to that point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. If I understand the position, amendments cannot be tabled formally until after Second Reading. Will you give us guidance and advice on how long the House authorities will need to supply them to us in a printed form so that colleagues have a chance to look at them and so that you, your colleagues and Mr. Speaker can order them and decide which are selectable and which should be selected? Would it therefore be possible, from your point of view as Chair, to allow the House to be suspended for half an hour or however long it takes—as has happened on many occasions in the past—while we get our acts together and know what we are about to do to this important Bill?

Madam Deputy Speaker (Sylvia Heal): First, I shall deal with the two points of order about the tabling of amendments. I am advised that the Public Bill Office will be able to receive and advise Members about the tabling of amendments with effect from this afternoon and this evening. I hope that that addresses the concerns raised by the two hon. Members.

Sir Patrick, there was quite a lot of noise. Would you mind repeating for me your point of order?

Sir Patrick Cormack: Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. I asked whether the House could have some indication today about how much time we will have for the debates on Second Reading and in Committee.

Madam Deputy Speaker: I must advise the hon. Gentleman that the issue that he raises is a matter for the Government; it is for them to table a motion. I am sorry that I cannot be more helpful than that.