Clause 4 - The Secretary of State’s duty as to promoting autonomy
Health and Social Care(Re-Committed) Bill
2:30 pm
Roger Gale (North Thanet, Conservative)
The question is that clause 4 stand part of the Bill. As many as are of that opinion, say aye.
Emily Thornberry (Islington South and Finsbury, Labour)
I am sorry, Chair, but I believe that the Opposition Whip raised an objection to clause 4 being taken formally.
Roger Gale (North Thanet, Conservative)
There cannot be an objection to it being taken formally; it has been debated. Let me explain: in the grouping under clause 1, all these clauses were debated and put to bed.
Roger Gale (North Thanet, Conservative)
The question on clause 4 has already been put, and there was no objection.
Roger Gale (North Thanet, Conservative)
Order. I will make some exception for new Members, but the hon. Member for Sedgefield has been in the House long enough to know that if I put the question on a clause and nobody rises to speak on it, I put it to the vote. I did so, and nobody shouted no.
Roger Gale (North Thanet, Conservative)
No, you cannot—I am ruling. I want to be absolutely clear that the Committee has had a fair crack, but the Committee has to understand that if the Chair puts the question and nobody rises to speak, and nobody votes against—nobody rose to speak—the best you can have is a Division. I am now going to put the question on clause 4 without debate, and if the Opposition wish to vote against it, they may do so. I hope that that is being fair to the hon. Member for Sedgefield, because nobody rose to speak.
Division number 6 - 13 yes, 9 no
Voting yes: Steve Brine, Simon Burns, Paul Burstow, Dan Byles, Stephen Crabb, Nick de Bois, Margot James, Jeremy Lefroy, Nicky Morgan, Daniel Poulter, John Pugh, Anna Soubry, Julian Sturdy
Voting no: Debbie Abrahams, Tom Blenkinsop, Liz Kendall, Grahame Morris, Fiona O'Donnell, Owen Smith, Emily Thornberry, Karl Turner, Phil Wilson