International Criminal Court Bill [Lords]
10:00 am
Mr Frank Cook (Stockton North, Labour)
I thank the hon. Lady for her point of order, which is well taken, and offer a comment. Had there been five Chairmen for the Committee this morning, I would still have been late. I was late because I was working and unavoidably detained on parliamentary duty. Had I been able to foretell that unexpected work pressure, I would have been able to get a Chairman for the Committee, even though I am its sole appointed Chairman.
A provision was made on Monday this week, when the Programming Sub-Committee was to sit at 6.30 that evening and I had constituency duties in the morning. I kept in constant contact with the chief Clerk and with our worthy Committee Clerk to relate my progress down the M1 so that everyone would be assured that, if necessary, an emergency Chairman could be put in place. I assure the Committee that this morning's event was extraordinary and that I have no intention of being known as the late Mr. Cook, at least not in the next 10 years. The remarks are on record and I am content to leave it at that; there is no need to take further action.