Mr Joe Benton (Bootle, Labour)

Happy new year, everyone.

Mr Philip Hammond (Runnymede & Weybridge, Conservative)

On a point of order, Mr. Benton. During the Committee's previous deliberations, the Government made it clear through the Minister that they intend to table substantive new clauses on a new issue. It is generally accepted that they will be discussed on the last day that the Bill is programmed to be in Committee. May I ask the Government, through you, Mr. Benton, to ensure, as a courtesy to the Committee, that the new clauses are tabled by the end of this week? Bodies outside this place will want to comment on the substantive issue and to interface with the Committee. If we are to consider the new clauses, discuss them with outside bodies and table amendments that are unstarred for consideration on Tuesday 22 January, it will be necessary to see them by the end of this week.

Mr Joe Benton (Bootle, Labour)

That is a matter for the Government. I do not know whether the Minister wants to comment on it.

Mr Alan Johnson (Minister of State (Employment and the Regions), Department of Trade and Industry; Kingston upon Hull West & Hessle, Labour)

Further to the point of order, Mr. Benton. It may be pushing it to table the new clauses by the end of this week, but I accept the point made by the hon. Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr. Hammond) that plenty of notice is required, particularly concerning the right to request flexible working and to have that request considered seriously. I shall do my best to circulate the new clauses to the Committee well in advance of our debate, but I shall have to take soundings on whether I can do so by the end of this week. I fully accept the general spirit of the hon. Gentleman's comments and will do my best to circulate them as soon as possible so that the Committee has time to consult on and consider them.Clause 1 Paternity leave