Delegated Legislation – in the House of Commons at 5:48 pm on 21 February 2008.
That the draft Industrial Training Levy (Construction Industry Training Board) Order 2008, which was laid before this House on 16th January, be approved.
That the draft Industrial Training Levy (Engineering Construction Industry Training Board) Order 2008, which was laid before this House on 16th January, be approved. —[Mr. Blizzard.]
Question agreed to.
Philip Hammond
Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury
On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. This afternoon, the other place has been considering in Committee the Banking (Special Provisions) Bill and is sending it back to us with at least eight amendments—possibly more, because I understand that more amendments have been tabled for the Report stage yet to be taken. This House has been allotted only one hour to consider those eight or more amendments, which in the other place were grouped in five separate groups. It is impossible for us properly to scrutinise that number of amendments, or even to vote on all of them, in the time allotted. Is there anything that this House can do to override, set aside or amend the business of the House motion that sets that time limit?
Michael Lord
Deputy Speaker (Second Deputy Chairman of Ways and Means)
I have noted the hon. Gentleman's concern, but these rules are laid down by the House and cannot be altered at this time. However, his remarks are on the record, as I am sure he would want them to be.
Patrick McLoughlin
Shadow Chief Whip (Commons), Opposition Chief Whip (Commons)
On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I know that the Chair has certain powers to curtail the length of speeches. I wonder whether that power applies to the Lords amendments. Could the Chair impose very narrow time limits so that Members have the opportunity to speak on those amendments, including Front Benchers, and so that the House has time to debate them, or does that not apply to Lords amendments? Might we find that a Minister—I understand this is not just about defeats in the Lords, as there have also been Government amendments to the Bill—takes a lot of time, thereby not allowing a proper debate or even votes to take place in this House?
Michael Lord
Deputy Speaker (Second Deputy Chairman of Ways and Means)
I understand the hon. Gentleman's concern that as many Members as possible should be allowed to contribute. The best advice that I can give to the House is that everybody, Front Benchers and Back Benchers, should exercise some self-discipline.
Delegated legislation is law made by ministers under powers deriving from Acts of Parliament.
Thousands of pieces of delegated legislation, commonly known as statutory instruments, are passed by Parliament each year.
They enable the government to make minor, technical changes to the law without having to introduce a whole new Act of Parliament.
The House of Lords. When used in the House of Lords, this phrase refers to the House of Commons.
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.
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