Economic Affairs and Work and Pensions

Lord Haselhurst Excerpts

Tuesday 8th June 2010 Commons Chamber

[Several hon. Members]

rose—

[Mr Deputy Speaker (Sir Alan Haselhurst)]

Order. I must at this point remind the House that Mr Speaker has placed a seven-minute limit on Back-Bench speeches, which operates from now on. Obviously, anyone who can speak within that limit and spare us an extra minute will earn the gratitude of nervous hon. Members who are waiting to make their maiden speeches.

--- Later in debate ---

[Hon. Members]

Hear, hear!

[Mr Deputy Speaker (Sir Alan Haselhurst)]

Order. [Laughter.] I am not sure that that was not grossly out of order.

[Yvette Cooper (Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford) (Lab)]

Further to that point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. I add congratulations and warm support from this side of the House. We are grateful to you for your many years of kind consideration for all Members of the House, Back Benchers and Front Benchers, and for your fairness over the years.

[Mr Deputy Speaker]

Order. I fear that this is getting worse. [Laughter.]

[Martin Horwood (Cheltenham) (LD)]

Further to that point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. May I add congratulations from the Liberal Democrat Benches on your service to this House? Perhaps your early education in my constituency contributed to your excellent and impartial service to the House.

[Mr Deputy Speaker]

I am extremely grateful for those very kind words and the way in which they were supported. It has been an exciting and privileged 13 years, certainly in my memory, and I hope that I can continue to serve the House in other ways.