I beg to move the Hunting Bill (Procedure) (No. 3) motion, standing in my name and that of the Leader of the House. It might assist the House if I read out the terms of the motion, so that they are clear to all Members. The—

rose—

I have taken a point of order from the hon. Gentleman. I hope that this is a different one.

On a completely different point of order, Mr. Speaker. It would be helpful if we knew for how long this debate can continue.

The motion is not debatable. The Question will be put forthwith.

Mr. Luff, through his point of order, makes it clear why it will assist the House if I read out—

rose—

I hope that the hon. Gentleman is rising to make different a point of order.

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. On the basis of what you have just said, I am surely correct in assuming that it would not be appropriate for the Minister to participate in such a debate, given that the Question has to be put immediately.

rose—

The Minister should confine himself to reading the motion.

I am grateful to you, Mr. Speaker. The motion states:

That the Orders of 15th September and 16th November shall be supplemented as follows:

1. At this day's sitting proceedings on consideration of any Lords message relating to the Hunting Bill shall be brought to a conclusion (unless already concluded) one hour after commencement.

2. For the purpose of bringing proceedings to a conclusion in accordance with paragraph 1 the Speaker shall put the following questions forthwith (and no others)-

(1) any question which has been proposed from the Chair and has not yet been decided, and

(2) the question on any motion moved by a Minister of the Crown.

3.

Paragraphs 3 to 5 of the Order of 16th November shall apply.

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. The—

Order. I am putting the Question.

The House proceeded to a Division

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. This Division seems to have gone on for 17 minutes. I think that there is an argument in the Government Lobby. Can it be investigated?

Order. I ask the Serjeant at Arms to find out what is happening.

The House having divided: Ayes 271, Noes 136.

Question accordingly agreed to.

The Clerk has informed me that a number of manuscript amendments have been tabled and, of course, I have promised hon. Members that I will give them consideration. In view of the number of manuscript amendments, I am going to suspend the House until 1.40 pm.

Sitting suspended.