Clause 8 - Other elections, etc.
European Parliamentary and Local Elections (Pilots) Bill
4:45 pm
Mr Nick Hawkins (Surrey Heath, Conservative)
As we are about to run out of time, I wanted to thank you, Mr. Cook, your fellow Chairman, Mr. Benton, and the Clerks.
I also want to make a point about a matter that I had hoped to put on record earlier. Unfortunately, the amendment that I drafted was not ruled in order, so I could not speak to it. Given that clause 8(1) says:
''The Schedule (which makes provision for certain other elections and referendums) has effect'',
I thought that that provided the perfect opportunity for Opposition Members to demand a referendum on the Government's proposal to sign the UK up to the EU constitution. We are talking about European elections, and I am sure that I would have the support of my hon. Friends the Members for Rochford and Southend, East, for Reigate and for Spelthorne when I say that this is something that unites the Conservative party. Even some pro-Europeans in other parties believe that there should be a referendum, although they would vote differently from my hon. Friend the Member for Rochford and Southend, East.
It being five o'clock, The Chairman proceeded, pursuant to Sessional Order C [29 October 2002] and the Order of the Committee [30 October 2003], to put forthwith the Question already proposed from the Chair.
Question put, That the clause stand part of the Bill:—
The Committee divided: Ayes 11, Noes 5.