Jim Fitzpatrick (Poplar and Limehouse) (Lab)
On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. I am very grateful for the opportunity to ask your advice on the issue of the objection raised by the hon. Member for Romford (Andrew Rosindell) to the Wild Animals in Circuses Bill. The Prime Minister is on the record as supporting this Bill, which was published by the Government and which I have adopted. At my meeting with the relevant Minister at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on Wednesday night, the Minister told me the Government were supporting my Bill. However, the Deputy Chief Whip, I am advised, has asked the hon. Member for Romford to object to the Bill. So with the Government and the Prime Minister saying one thing officially and the Deputy Chief Whip, on behalf of the Government on the Treasury Bench, saying and doing something completely to the contrary, how can I clarify what the Government’s position is on a Bill that has all-party support—not just cross-party support—in time for next Friday’s opportunity for it to progress further?
Madam Deputy Speaker (Mrs Eleanor Laing)
I appreciate the point the hon. Gentleman has made, and he has put it on the record. The only matter for the Chair is the right of the hon. Member for Romford to say whatever he likes in this Chamber. I am here to protect the hon. Member’s right to do so, and he has every right to say what he has said this afternoon. The other points the hon. Member for Poplar and Limehouse (Jim Fitzpatrick) has very passionately made will, I am sure, be noted by those whom he wishes to note them.