Mr Don Foster (Bath, Liberal Democrat)

On a point of order, Mr. Stevenson. Among the very exciting events that took place yesterday, there were other events much less publicised by the media. The Committee might like to be updated on what is happening to my hon. Friend the Member for Carshalton and Wallington (Mr. Brake) and his wife. I am sure that hon. Members will be pleased to know that at 1.27 am yesterday, baby Benjamin was born. Mrs. Brake and child are doing very well. My hon. Friend, however, said that he is extremely tired.

Mr Nigel Waterson (Eastbourne, Conservative)

Further to that point of order, Mr. Stevenson. On behalf of the official Opposition, I ask the hon. Member for Bath (Mr Foster) to pass on our very best wishes to the proud parents and, perhaps, also to express the hope that in due course the hon. Gentleman will have more time to spend with his family.

Mr George Stevenson (Stoke-on-Trent South, Labour)

That is a valid point of order. I am sure that the entire Committee will wish to extend congratulations. That news is probably more exciting than the other news we have had over the past few days.

Mr Nick Raynsford (Minister of State, Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions; Greenwich & Woolwich, Labour)

Further to that point of order, Mr. Stevenson. I with to extend congratulations from the Government side of the Committee to Mrs. Brake and the hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington. We look forward to seeing him back in due course.

I wish to point out that we have made available, and placed in this Room, additional material that I hope will help Committee members in their understanding of some of the issues raised during the debate on part II, which we should reach later this morning. We will also be making available further information this afternoon to help with some of the intricacies involved in the homelessness procedures in part II.

Mr George Stevenson (Stoke-on-Trent South, Labour)

We thank the Minister for the information provided this morning and await with eager anticipation the further information being made available this afternoon.

Mr Tim Loughton (East Worthing & Shoreham, Conservative)

Further to that point of order, Mr. Stevenson. I was delighted to receive the document as we walked in this morning, but it is 176 pages long. If, as the Minister promises, it will be relevant to our deliberations later today, how are we expected to read 176 pages, let alone make an assessment on them? Is there a more succinct summary of the proposals that could be made available to the Committee?

Mr George Stevenson (Stoke-on-Trent South, Labour)

If there is, I am sure that the Minister will have taken note of that request. It is important that information is provided at the earliest possible opportunity so that hon. Members can digest it. I am sure that the hon. Gentleman's point has been well noted by the Minister. New Clause 1 Agreement between vendor and purchaser