Business of the House (Thursday)

Lord Coaker Excerpts

Wednesday 8th December 2010 Commons Chamber

[Hilary Benn]

Thank you, Mr Speaker.

[Vernon Coaker (Gedling) (Lab)]

Will my right hon. Friend give way?

[Hilary Benn]

Yes, I will.

[Vernon Coaker]

As my right hon. Friend knows, thousands of students from places throughout the country, including Nottingham, will be arriving in London tomorrow. As we shall debate this issue for only five hours, which I think most of those students and their families will find simply incredible, has my right hon. Friend had any discussions with the Leader of the House about informing all those students how this House arrived at that five-hour limit? Have any special arrangements been made to inform them about the decision that has been made to curtail the debate, so that they are properly informed?

[Hilary Benn]

I had hoped that in moving the motion this evening the Leader of the House would have enlightened us on that very point, but I am afraid no elucidation at all was offered as to the amount of time given to us.

I want to come on to one of the problems that we may face tomorrow. Although what is on offer now—