Torture (Damages) (No. 2) Bill

– in the House of Commons at 2:30 pm on 3 July 2009.

Alert me about debates like this

Motion made, That the Bill be now read a Second time.

Hon. Members:

Object.

Bill to be read a Second time on Friday 16 October.

Photo of Simon Hughes Simon Hughes Shadow Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change

On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. We have just seen 13 Bills on the trot objected to by the Government Whip. Is there any way we could discover whether objections are ever on a point of substance or whether they occur simply because the Government do not like private Members' Bills?

Photo of Michael Lord Michael Lord Deputy Speaker (Second Deputy Chairman of Ways and Means)

The hon. Gentleman is a very experienced Member of this House and knows precisely how these things operate. There may well be room for change or improvement, but it is certainly not for me to advocate it this afternoon.