Ms Angela Eagle (Wallasey, Labour)

On a point of order, Mr. Cook. I rise because I had occasion earlier today to read Hansard for the third sitting on Thursday 21 October. This issue arises because I did not check the record before it was printed, as one has a chance to do, and I apologise to the Committee for that.

In my speech, which begins in column 104, I used the phrase ''gay and lesbian people'' rather a lot. However, Hansard has recorded ''gay'' but missed out ''lesbian''. In some areas, ''gay'' refers overwhelmingly to men and does not include women. I just want to make it clear on the record, if that is possible, that I said ''gay and lesbian'' and that all my references to ''gay'' in Hansard also refer to lesbians. Part of the trouble that lesbians have is that they are invisible, and I do not want to be seen to fall into that trap. I request that Hansard include the word ''lesbian'' if it passes my lips.

Mr Christopher Chope (Shadow Minister, Environment and Transport; Christchurch, Conservative)

Further to that point of order, Mr. Cook. Would the hon. Lady accept that it is shorter and simpler just to say same-sex?

Mr Frank Cook (Stockton North, Labour)

Order. The point of order is for the Chair. I would appreciate it if hon. Members would address their point of order to the Chair and not elsewhere.

On the point of order, I am happy that the hon. Lady has had the opportunity to put her concerns on the record. I am sure that Hansard will print her comments very clearly on this occasion, and I hope that she will be able to point to the appropriate column to correct any misunderstanding of her earlier comments.