Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Bill (Programme) (No. 2)

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 4:15 pm on 21 November 2001.

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Photo of Mr Tam Dalyell Mr Tam Dalyell Labour, Linlithgow 4:15, 21 November 2001

On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. In no way do I wish to offend my hon. Friend the Minister. However, I was brought up in a world in which business motions, particularly contentious ones, were answered, not by the Minister who had responsibility for the legislation, but by a senior Government business manager. It may be out of fashion, but a Cabinet Minister should have been present to hear what was said on the Floor of the House—[Interruption.] Well, I was Parliamentary Private Secretary to Richard Crossman when he was Leader of the House. On several occasions when he heard what was said in the House, he got on to the Prime Minister and business was altered; that is a matter of fact. It may be unfashionable to say so, but that is how it should be. The Leader of the House should respond to our debate.