Clause 27 - Practice directions
Employment Bill
9:30 am
Mr Philip Hammond (Runnymede and Weybridge, Conservative)
Indeed, but unfortunately our voting procedure does not recognise that simple truth. I am minded to withdraw the amendment, but I ask the Minister to reflect on what I have said. I genuinely did not believe that my amendment would be controversial and I expected the Minister to deal with it in two minutes by saying that he would, of course, expect presidents routinely to consult recognised user groups, but that it was unnecessary to include such a provision in the Bill. I am alarmed that the Minister seems to suggest that consultation will not be normal practice, and I shall probe the Government again on that issue on Report. I hope that he will consider the logistics of such a consultation procedure with the presidents, and perhaps conclude that the requirement would not be terribly onerous. It would certainly satisfy user groups that have expressed concern about having an opportunity to make their views known on any proposed directive.
I beg to ask leave to withdraw the amendment.
Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Question proposed, That the clause stand part of the Bill.