rose—

Mr. Brazier should know that everything comes to those who wait.

I am delighted to present the petition of the Cod Crusaders community campaign and particularly the organisers of the national and international petition that is circulating in Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, the material allegations of which concern the iniquities of the common fisheries policy and the disgraceful failure of the Government to allow time for debate, discussion and decision on the Fisheries Jurisdiction Bill, in my name and before the House, and similar Bills in the names of other hon. Members.

The petition reads:

To the House of Commons.

The petition of the Cod Crusaders Community Campaign,

Declares that the EU common fisheries policy has failed to conserve fish stocks and that is has caused untold hardship for fishermen and their local communities and industries. The policy has proved to be ineffective and inadequate in the conservation and management of fish resources, has resulted in bankruptcies, the uprooting of individuals and families, and the destruction of thriving communities with centuries-old cultural traditions and communal lives.

The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the Government to restore British sovereign waters to national control and free them from European bureaucracy.

And the Petitioners remain, etc.

Morag Ritchie from the Cod Crusaders community campaign signed the petition.

To lie upon the Table.

I beg to move, That the House do sit in private.

Question put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 163 (Motion to sit in private):—

The House proceeded to a Division.

I ask the Serjeant at Arms to investigate the delay in the No Lobby.

The House having divided: Ayes 0, Noes 34.

It appearing on the report of the Division that fewer than 40 Members had taken part in the Division, Madam Deputy Speaker declared that the Question was not decided in the affirmative.