[Mr. Christopher Chope in the Chair]

Good morning everybody. I am delighted to see an army of volunteers here today to participate in consideration of the Bill. This is the first time I have had the privilege of chairing a Committee on a private Member’s Bill, so it is a novel experience for me. Before we start, I wish to make a couple of announcements. If people wish, they can remove their jackets, and if they have mobile phones or pagers, I should be grateful if they ensured that they do not disturb our proceedings.