Business of the House

Jeff Smith Excerpts

Thursday 26th January 2017 Commons Chamber

[Mr Lidington]

Under the Parliament Acts, the House of Commons will have the final say, as on practically all legislation. As is always the case, the House of Lords has its own procedures. It is not in the gift of the Government to set down what time for debate there will be in the House of Lords on any Bill.

[Jeff Smith (Manchester, Withington) (Lab)]

rose—

[Madam Deputy Speaker (Mrs Eleanor Laing)]

And the prize for patience goes to Jeff Smith.

[Jeff Smith]

Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker.

[Madam Deputy Speaker]

And I wish the hon. Gentleman a happy birthday.

[Jeff Smith]

Thank you also for that, Madam Deputy Speaker—I am grateful.

It is quite right, of course, that other parliamentary business should be shelved over the next couple of weeks so that we can debate article 50, and that includes the Bus Services Bill. In Manchester, we have been demanding London-style bus franchising powers for many years. We can wait a little longer, but may I encourage the Leader of the House to reschedule the Bus Services Bill as soon as possible after the recess so that Manchester can properly manage its transport network?

[Mr Lidington]

This may be an inadequate birthday present, but I will do my best to deliver what the hon. Gentleman wants.