This debate takes place in what we deem to be today, while the rest of the world considers it to be tomorrow. When we reach what will be accepted by them as being today, I think that our yesterday will have been impossible, even on a 24-hour clock. This is an arts debate, so it might be appropriate to sum up the predicament with our hours by recalling the words of Walter de la Mare's "Peacock Pie" poem, "Poor Jim Jay":

• "Do-Diddle-Di-Do Poor Jim Jay
• Got stuck fast in yesterday …
• We pulled, we pulled from 7 til 12
• Jim too frightened to help himself
• But all in vain the clock struck 1
• And there was Jim a little bit gone …
• At half past 5 you scarce could see
• A glimse of his flapping handkerchee …
• Come tomorrow the neighbours say
• He'll be past crying for, Poor Jim Jay."

I sympathise with you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, and with the staff of the House who have to stay up this night——