House of Lords Reform Bill [HL]

Debate between Baroness Farrington of Ribbleton and Lord Trefgarne

Friday 21st October 2011 Lords Chamber

[Lord Trefgarne]

But no doubt with the support of others as well. This is in the context of a major government Lords reform proposition which is now before the Joint Select Committee and which is, I submit to your Lordships, the right way to proceed.

[Baroness Farrington of Ribbleton]

My Lords, I beg to move that the Question be now put.

--- Later in debate ---

[Lord Trefgarne]

I heard an interjection from behind me, but I am not sure who it was. It is not just up to us. As my noble friend pointed out, we have given a lot of thought and consideration to these matters. We do not know quite what will happen in future. I am very reluctant to agree to a fast-track procedure, if that is the right term, on Part 1. If I may say so, we are once more reaping the whirlwind of the precipitate action of my noble friend Lord Steel in altering the order of consideration of the Bill in the Motion which we agreed earlier today. I would prefer to go through, as quickly as we can, the remaining clauses of the Bill. That would be the right way to proceed.

[Baroness Farrington of Ribbleton]

My Lords, it may help the House to know that my noble friend Lord Dubs does not intend to move his amendments this afternoon and will come back to them on Report.

--- Later in debate ---

[The Deputy Chairman of Committees]

The Question is that Amendment 3 be agreed to.

[Lord Trefgarne]

I fear that the Deputy Chairman has got it wrong. The noble Baroness has moved that the Question be now put. That is a debatable Motion and there is a Standing Order that has to be read out first.

[Baroness Farrington of Ribbleton]

My Lords, I believe that the Motion that the Question be now put is not debatable.