Commencement, extent and short title

Question proposed, That the clause stand part of the Bill.

I do not know whether I can match the brevity of my hon. Friend the Member for Worthing, West. I simply ask why there is two months between the passing of the Bill and its commencement. Why not commence it immediately?

I understand that that is standard.

If it is in order, Mr. Chope, will you allow me to say how sorry I am that my hon. Friend the Member for Denton and Reddish (Andrew Gwynne) is not here today owing to serious illness, and how grateful we are to him for carrying on the Bill after my hon. Friend the Member for Northampton, North initiated it? I pay great tribute to my hon. Friend for the knowledge, persistence and dedication she has shown in bringing the Bill forward and getting it to this stage.

Obviously, what the right hon. Gentleman has said is in order, but it is slightly premature because we still have two new clauses to deal with.

Question put and agreed to.

Clause 9 accordingly ordered to stand part of the Bill.