Mr Roger Gale (North Thanet, Conservative)

Before we start, I have a housekeeping—literally, in this case—announcement to make about accommodation. The powers that be have decided that the Hunting Bill is of such great importance that it takes precedence over the future of the nation's entire communications industry. On that basis, we are compelled to remain in this Room for the duration or our Committee, because the Hunting Bill will be discussed in Committee Room 14 for longer than we shall be in here.

That being so, we have examined other possibilities. The genius who designed Portcullis House has apparently configured all the major Committee rooms there in a manner that is entirely suited to Select Committees, but not remotely suited to the convenient operation of a Standing Committee, so we cannot use Portcullis House.

I shall therefore reiterate what I said the other day. I do not think that at this time on a Thursday we are likely to have a crowded Gallery, but if the situation becomes difficult, I propose to allow Hansard staff awaiting the collection of notes to use the Press Gallery. There is a precedent for that: Thomas Hansard was the first reporter allowed into the House of Commons. I have informed the Officers of the House of my proposal.

I am also willing—if it becomes necessary—to rope off that bit of the Room that allows people direct access from the Door without having to come through the Committee. I shall make that space available only to House of Commons pass holders working specifically for members of the Committee. That means that if hon. Members' secretaries, advisers or other persons need access without having to wait for a place in the Public Gallery, four places will be available for them. That is the best that we can do, but I shall raise the entire issue at the next meeting of the Chairmen's Panel.

Mr Andrew Lansley (South Cambridgeshire, Conservative)

On a point of order, Mr. Gale. According to our programme resolution, we are due to discuss clause 193, which deals with the BBC and Ofcom, on Tuesday morning. The Government have stated repeatedly, and in their response to the Joint Committee, that they will make available a draft of the new agreement with the BBC for consideration alongside the relevant provisions of the Bill. I might have missed something, but I have not seen such a draft. Have you received any intimation from the Government that it will be available? We should receive it today if it is to have an impact on the tabling of amendments for Tuesday.

Mr Roger Gale (North Thanet, Conservative)

The Chair always takes the view that it is desirable that hon. Members are given as much

information as possible, to facilitate deliberations. Having said that, I have been given no notice of any such paper being available now. The provision of Government papers is a matter for the Government, not for me, but having heard that point of order, I am sure that the Minister has taken note of what the hon. Gentleman said.

Mr Michael Fabricant (Lichfield, Conservative)

Further to that point of order, Mr. Gale. If the information is not made available, will you consider deferring discussion of the relevant clauses until we have received sufficient information to table amendments?

Mr Roger Gale (North Thanet, Conservative)

No. The order of business has been determined and I propose to adhere to it. The Minister has heard what the hon. Gentlemen have said. If he can, I am sure that he will respond positively.Clause 147 General functions of OFCOM in relation to radio spectrum