Frank Cook (Stockton North, Labour)

Before we continue our consideration of matters relating to clause 30, I ought to comment on the submissions that are coming into the Committee as we proceed. I am approving the submissions that come to me as quickly as I can, which I must tell you is pretty quick. I was relieved to see last afternoon that the submission—the transcript—from the Opposition’s little select committee evidence taking sessions has been sent around to everyone. You all now have that available should you need it—we have, after all, discussed it at great length.

Some submissions are coming in indirectly, with a kind of body swerve, as it were, straight to you rather than to anyone else. I cannot do much about that, but I ask you to deal with those submissions with care and responsibility, as I know you will.

Now, being the diligent and hon. Members that you are, let us proceed with our consideration of clause 30 by turning to—[Interruption.] Someone has nicked my script. [Laughter.] This is preposterous: a member of the Government is seeking to gerrymander the proceedings!