I remind the Committee that the debate on the programme motion may last up to half an hour.

I beg to move,

That—

(1) three sittings shall be allotted to the consideration by the Standing Committee of the Social Security Contributions (Share Options) Bill;

(2) the second sitting shall be held on Tuesday 30th January at half-past Four o'clock and the third sitting shall be held on Thursday 1st February at Nine o'clock;

(3) proceedings on the Bill shall be concluded at the third sitting (unless concluded earlier).

I welcome you to the Chair, Mr. Benton. I do not expect our proceedings to last long, given the modest size and character of the Bill, but I am sure that the Committee will agree that the prospect of expeditious completion is enhanced by your chairmanship.

I welcome all members of the Committee, which has the feel of a reunion, because some of us have previously debated related topics in Committee and on the Floor of the House. I am particularly pleased to see my hon. Friend the Member for Putney (Mr. Colman), as well as the hon. Members for Arundel and South Downs (Mr. Flight) and for Torridge and West Devon (Mr. Burnett), with their long-standing interest in the taxation of share options.

Question put and agreed to.