Business of the House

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 11 December 1980.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Mr Norman St John-Stevas Mr Norman St John-Stevas , Chelmsford 12:00, 11 December 1980

No, I cannot. No such guarantee has been given. No Government could promise any other Government unlimited time for a measure in this House. What my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has made clear is that if a request for amendment of the Canadian constitution is received we shall act in accordance with precedent and respond to it. But it must be clear that the progress and implementation of any such request must depend upon the general state of business in the House. That is why I have made it clear that the earlier that request is received the more likely it is that it can be dealt with in this Session.