Employment Relations Bill
9:30 am
Mr Malcolm Bruce (Shadow Secretary of State for Trade & Industry, Trade & Industry; Gordon, Liberal Democrat)
I support the hon. Gentleman's remarks, and thank the Minister and the Government Whip for their courtesy in allowing consultation on the programme motion. It is both my personal view from experience and my party's view that an agreed programme that allows a Bill to be properly debated is far preferable to an elastic programme that has to be curtailed, leaving significant provisions undebated or undetermined.
We as a party broadly support the Bill; the Conservative Opposition's position is rather different. However, we would like to debate one or two issues and we will also be tabling amendments. I hope that we have the balance and the spirit right. We are here to do
a job of work and to debate the issues objectively and tirelessly. The consultation that has taken place in advance has been constructive.
Question put and agreed to.