The Senior Deputy Speaker (Lord Gardiner of Kimble)
My Lords, before the start of today’s proceedings on the Arbitration Bill, it may be helpful if I say a word about the Special Public Bill Committee procedure that we will follow. In nearly all respects, our proceedings will be identical to those of a Grand Committee. Any Member of the House may attend and speak. Members should stand when speaking. Members may speak more than once to each clause.
The main difference from Grand Committee is that the Committee may vote. If, when I collect the voices, it is clear that there is no agreement, I will call a Division, which will take place straightaway. Only Members of the Committee may vote. The clerk will call out each name in alphabetical order and Members should reply “Content”, “Not content” or “Abstain”. I will then announce the result and call the next clause. It may be for the convenience of the Committee if certain sequential clauses are stood part en bloc. If any Member objects, they must be taken separately to the extent desired.
Do any Members of the Committee wish to declare any interests that have not already been declared? No.