Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Bill
Evan Harris (Science, Non-Departmental & Cross Departmental Responsibilities; Oxford West and Abingdon, Liberal Democrat)
On a point of order, Mr. Illsley, of which I gave you and the Minister notice yesterday. Was it in order for the Minister to have left during our previous debate in the manner that he did? He did not say when we were discussing the amendments that he had to leave the Committee at 5.45 pm, or whenever it was. [Interruption.] This is a serious point of order and I should be grateful if the Minister would not laugh or smirk. It is an important matter.
The hon. Gentleman had an option to alert me to the fact that he would be leaving the Room. That would have given us the opportunity to manage our time so that we finished discussing the group of amendments and heard his response, and my reply to it, before he left. He did not do so, and it was not entirely clear from his remarks when he was leaving, although I understand and accept that as he sat down he said that he would have to go.
The main point is that knowing that the Minister could not be present to hear the response to his comments, he had the option not to make personal attacks and references to my conduct. Knowing that he would not be able to hear my response, let alone the next speaker as is the convention of the House, was it in order for him to make attacks on and claims about what I was saying which were irrelevant to the matters we were discussing, and then to leave in the way that he did? I accept that the Minister apologised to you, Mr. Illsley, but he made no advance apology to the rest of the Committee. That is not a satisfactory way to proceed in what is otherwise a relatively harmonious process.
Eric Illsley (Barnsley Central, Labour)
I have heard what the hon. Gentleman has to say. The question of attendance in Committee by Ministers or Back Benchers is not a matter for the Chair. At all times during the debate yesterday a Minister was present, so the presence or otherwise of the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Nationality is not something that I can address. However, he has heard the hon. Gentleman's comments and it is up to him whether he wishes to respond.
Cheryl Gillan (Shadow Minister, (Assisted By Shadow Law Officers); Chesham and Amersham, Conservative)
On a point of order, Mr. Illsley. As we are discussing presence and absence in the Committee, for the avoidance of doubt I should explain that the official Opposition is multitasking. I am not joined by my hon. Friend the Member for Woking (Mr. Malins) because he is just down the Corridor—
Cheryl Gillan (Shadow Minister, (Assisted By Shadow Law Officers); Chesham and Amersham, Conservative)
Not plotting, but serving on Committee considering the Violent Crime Reduction Bill. My hon. Friend the Member for Woking will join me from time to time, but it is meant as no disrespect to you, Mr. Illsley, or to members of the Committee that he or I may not be here together.
Eric Illsley (Barnsley Central, Labour)
Again, that is not a point of order for the Chair. We can now resume our debate.