Business of the House

Ian Mearns Excerpts

Thursday 1st December 2016 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

I am sure that the column will be a literary hit of the very highest quality. I expect nothing less from the hon. Member for Peterborough.

[Ian Mearns (Gateshead) (Lab)]

I thank the Leader of the House not only for the business statement, but for being so accommodating in helping the Backbench Business Committee to plan ahead. He announced this morning the Backbench Business up to and including 15 December. I hope I am not trying his patience if I ask him for an early indication of whether we will get any time in the week beginning 19 December and in the week immediately after the Christmas recess.

[Mr Lidington]

First, let me say that I am grateful for the hon. Gentleman’s opening comments. He is always the soul of courtesy in representing the views of his Committee and I will do my utmost to accommodate him.