Steel Industry (Special Measures) Bill

Debate between Alex Burghart and Caroline Nokes

Committee of the whole House
Saturday 12th April 2025 Commons Chamber

[Madam Deputy Speaker (Caroline Nokes)]

It might be helpful if I begin by explaining how the Committee stage will proceed. A number of amendments have been tabled, published and selected for debate. The amendment paper and selection list are available in the Vote Office. However, because it is now after 2 pm, there is no time available for debate. Amendments that are not debated are not subsequently selected for separate decision.

[Alex Burghart (Brentwood and Ongar) (Con)]

On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. It is obviously deeply regrettable that the Government were not prepared for the eventualities that they have faced. We know they were not prepared because the Bill was not ready until 9.30 this morning. An obvious omission from the Bill is a sunset clause, and many Members here today have spoken in favour of such a clause. Indeed, Ministers have suggested that they want this legislation to be time-limited. Consequently, it is deeply regrettable that it sounds as though the House will not have an opportunity to vote on a sunset clause. Can you advise the House on whether there is anything that can be done at this stage to ensure that we get a vote on amendment 1 and/or new clause 2?

[Madam Deputy Speaker]

I thank the hon. Member for his point of order. He will know that it is long-standing practice that the Chair does not select for separate decision any proposition that has not been debated. It is therefore not possible for any of the amendments or new clauses to be called at this stage.

The Chair put forthwith the Questions necessary for the disposal of the business to be concluded at that time (Order, this day).

Clauses 1 to 10 ordered to stand part of the Bill.

The Speaker resumed the Chair.

Bill reported, without amendment.

Question put forthwith (Order, this day), That the Bill be now read the Third time.

Bill read the Third time and passed.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Alex Burghart and Caroline Nokes

Thursday 29th February 2024 Commons Chamber

[Caroline Nokes (Romsey and Southampton North) (Con)]

We know that the Cabinet Office is often focused on making sure that procurement contracts go to small and medium-sized enterprises, but can my hon. Friend tell me what work is being done to make sure that female-led businesses get a chance at those contracts?

[Alex Burghart]

I think my right hon. Friend is referring to social value, which is obviously an important part of our procurement regime. Social value was discussed extensively during the passage of the Procurement Act 2023, and contracting authorities in local areas must pay regard to it.