Fixed-term Parliaments Bill

Countess of Mar Excerpts

Tuesday 24th May 2011 Lords Chamber

[Lord Cormack]

My Lords, I do not wish to detain the House long, because the next business before the House—

[The Countess of Mar]

I do not know whether the noble Lord is aware that paragraph 8.153 of the Companion states:

“The motion ‘That this bill do now pass’ is moved immediately after third reading has been agreed to or, if amendments had been tabled, as soon as the last amendment has been disposed of. The motion is usually moved formally. It may be opposed, and reasoned or delaying amendments may be moved to it, but in other circumstances it is not normally debated”.

[Lord Cormack]

Well, I will certainly be guided by the noble Baroness who sits on the Woolsack, but I was informed that it was entirely proper to make a brief speech at this point.

[Lord Cormack]

Then perhaps I can join the breach. I will—

[The Countess of Mar]

In the first report from the Select Committee on Procedure of the House, which was agreed by the House, the recommendation was that:

“The motion ‘That this bill do now pass’ should be moved formally and should not normally be debated. Ministers should if necessary respond to points raised on the motion by other Lords. The motion should not be an occasion for thanking those involved in the passage of the bill”.

[Baroness Farrington of Ribbleton]

My Lords, perhaps I may draw the government Whip’s attention to the fact that the word “normally” is used here, and “normally” in your Lordships' House means that it might not always apply.