– in the House of Commons at 2:02 pm on 25 January 1991.
Ian McCartney
, Makerfield
On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. The hon. Member for Tatton (Mr. Hamilton) objected to a Bill designed to save more than 700 lives a year. It is an absolute disgrace that it has been treated in that way—
Miss Betty Boothroyd
Deputy Speaker (Second Deputy Chairman of Ways and Means)
Order. I require the hon. Gentleman to resume his seat. He cannot debate legislation at this time.
The Second Reading is the most important stage for a Bill. It is when the main purpose of a Bill is discussed and voted on. If the Bill passes it moves on to the Committee Stage. Further information can be obtained from factsheet L1 on the UK Parliament website.
The Deputy speaker is in charge of proceedings of the House of Commons in the absence of the Speaker.
The deputy speaker's formal title is Chairman of Ways and Means, one of whose functions is to preside over the House of Commons when it is in a Committee of the Whole House.
The deputy speaker also presides over the Budget.
