Clause 253 - Commencement

Part of Civil Partnership Bill [Lords] – in a Public Bill Committee at 4:30 pm on 26 October 2004.

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Photo of Christopher Chope Christopher Chope Shadow Spokesperson (Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) 4:30, 26 October 2004

The quality of this debate shows how important it was that we used our discretion to enable it to take place, notwithstanding the guillotine. I hope that we will have the opportunity to put the amendment to a vote before the guillotine comes down at 5 pm.

Looking at the Library research on this matter, I was much impressed by the fact that in Northern Ireland more than 50 per cent. of people are married, compared with about 40 per cent. in England and Wales. The incidence of marriage is already some 25 per cent. higher in Northern Ireland than in England and Wales. I should have thought that we who represent constituencies outside Northern Ireland should be considering what we could do to try to emulate the sustainable, lasting relationships of Northern Ireland.