European Union Referendum Bill

Debate between Edward Leigh and Roger Gale

Tuesday 16th June 2015 Commons Chamber

[Sir Edward Leigh]

(Gainsborough) (Con) rose—

[The Temporary Chair]

Order. I am at the disposal of the Committee and looking for hon. Members to speak, but there appears to be no one but Sir Edward Leigh.

[Sir Edward Leigh]

Is it appropriate that I speak to my amendment 53, Sir Roger?

--- Later in debate ---

[The Temporary Chair]

indicated assent.

[Sir Edward Leigh]

Amendment 53 would state that

“the total number of permitted participants shall be limited to a number specified by the Electoral Commission to ensure broad equality of resources between those campaigning for each of the outcomes of the referendum”.

I refer the Committee to the Member’s explanatory statement, which states:

“The amendment would require the Electoral Commission to ensure that during the referendum campaign, the total spend of the campaign”—[Interruption.]

[The Temporary Chair]

Order. Will Members leaving the Chamber please do so quietly? There are people who wish to hear the debate.

[Sir Edward Leigh]

I was just referring to the explanatory statement. It is very helpful that the Public Bill Office now publishes explanatory statements, as it makes it much easier for us to understand amendments.