Identity Cards Bill (Programme) (No. 2)
1:30 pm
Sir Robert Smith (Deputy Chief Whip; West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine, Liberal Democrat)
What has the fact that the Leader of the Opposition supports the Bill got to do with the timetable, which is about allowing time for Back Benchers to take part in the debate? Surely it is precisely when Back Benchers disagree with their Front Bench that parliamentary time should be generous. Given that the Leader of the House has told the House that the current hours for Thursday make it unsuitable for major legislation, will the Minister tell us why the Bill has been scheduled for a Thursday? Does it mean that the Government do not see the Bill as major legislation?