[Mr. John Maxton in the Chair]

I beg to move,

That—

(1) during proceedings on the Social Security Fraud Bill the Standing Committee do meet on Tuesday 3rd April at half-past Ten o'clock, on Thursday 5th April at five minutes to Ten o'clock, and on Monday 9th April between half-past Four o'clock and Seven o'clock;

(2) the proceedings on the Bill shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion on Monday 9th April at Seven o'clock.

I am pleased to see you in the Chair, Mr. Maxton. This is a special Standing Committee for both of us—it being our last.

The Minister has said that this is his last Standing Committee. I note his enthusiasm in saying that; perhaps he knows more than the rest of us. If the House sits until October, someone may pick up some more work for him to do, so we may meet again before he retires.

It is my first Committee since the new arrangements came into being, and I have not seen a motion of this type before. I am mystified why five to 10 has been chosen as the time for the Committee to sit, as distinct from 10.30. I am sure that there is a sensible explanation for that and I should like to know what it is.

That question shows that the hon. Gentleman has not been doing his fair share of Standing Committees for the Opposition. If he had for the past three years, he would know that Standing Committees sit on Thursday mornings at five to 10 to take account of prayers in the House at 11.25.

Question put and agreed to.

I remind members of the Committee that copies of the money resolution that accompanies the Bill are available in the Room. As a general rule, I do not intend to call starred amendments. Clause 1 Additional powers to obtain information