Mr Bob Ainsworth (Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Home Office; Coventry North East, Labour)

I am looking at my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Scotland Office in his best bib and tucker, and at the clock, and I am wondering what kind of mess I will get myself into if I am not careful in responding to the amendment.

Mr Mark Field (Cities of London & Westminster, Conservative)

Looking at the sartorial display on the Government Benches, will the Under-Secretary confirm whether it is the Law Society of Scotland dinner tonight?

Mr Bob Ainsworth (Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Home Office; Coventry North East, Labour)

The hon. Gentleman must interrogate my hon. Friend the Minister of State about where he intends to go.

Mr Alistair Carmichael (Orkney & Shetland, Liberal Democrat)

If I may assist the Under-Secretary, I tabled the amendment because all the other time-limited provisions act against the interests of the defendant or non-state party. I see no reason why this should be one more.

Mr Bob Ainsworth (Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Home Office; Coventry North East, Labour)

I draw the hon. Gentleman's attention to clause 31, before we discuss clause 30—

Mr David Wilshire (Spelthorne, Conservative)

On a point of order, Mr. McWilliam. I am conscious that in a matter of seconds that you will be putting several questions to the Committee, as you are required. I make it clear to the Committee that when you do so our silence will not be showing our approval of such matters. We have done our best to scrutinise provisions, and we reserve the right to return to them on another occasion.

Mr John McWilliam (Blaydon, Labour)

That is not a point of order.

Mr Ian Davidson (Glasgow, Pollok, Labour/Co-operative)

It is just a waste of time.

Mr Bob Ainsworth (Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Home Office; Coventry North East, Labour)

I was about to say that.

It being Seven o'clock, The Chairman proceeded, pursuant to Sessional Order D [30 October 2001] and the Order of the Committee [13 November 2001], to put forthwith the Question already proposed from the Chair.

Amendment negatived.

Clause 30 ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Clauses 31 and 32 ordered to stand part of the Bill.