Business of the House

Baroness Laing of Elderslie Excerpts

Thursday 26th January 2017 Commons Chamber

[Jeff Smith (Manchester, Withington) (Lab)]

rose—

[Madam Deputy Speaker (Mrs Eleanor Laing)]

And the prize for patience goes to Jeff Smith.

[Jeff Smith]

Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker.

[Madam Deputy Speaker]

And I wish the hon. Gentleman a happy birthday.

[Jeff Smith]

Thank you also for that, Madam Deputy Speaker—I am grateful.

It is quite right, of course, that other parliamentary business should be shelved over the next couple of weeks so that we can debate article 50, and that includes the Bus Services Bill. In Manchester, we have been demanding London-style bus franchising powers for many years. We can wait a little longer, but may I encourage the Leader of the House to reschedule the Bus Services Bill as soon as possible after the recess so that Manchester can properly manage its transport network?