Martin Caton: It will be a continuous process, but I support the timetabling in the original Act, because it ensures that projects are considered and should have ensured that the Government were engaged by now with the Local Government Association. I mentioned the consequences of the 2010 Act. That Act will mean that a new tranche of proposals will be invited very soon. As I say, if the Government do not...
Martin Caton: I would like to start the winding-up speeches at 10 past 12. As you can see, a large number of Members have indicated that they want to contribute to the debate. More brevity means more speakers.
Martin Caton: Order. We must move on to the next debate, on the post office network.
Martin Caton: Order. The Minister has said he does not intend to give way.
Martin Caton: The gift of allowing interventions is entirely in the control of the hon. Member who is speaking.
Martin Caton: Order. I am afraid there are only three minutes left before I start the wind-ups.
Martin Caton: Order. I should like to start the wind-ups at 10.40 at the latest. At least five Members are indicating that they wish to speak, so the more succinct each of you is, the more people can make a contribution.
Martin Caton: It is entirely a matter for the Government to decide which Minister will reply to debates. You have put on the record your grave disappointment that the Leader of the House is not present, Mr Michael.
Martin Caton: I am afraid that that is not a matter for me, Mr Michael. If you would like to take it up with the Leader of the House, you can of course do so. We must now move on to the debate.
Martin Caton: Order. The background noise has grown as this debate has gone on. Could Members be quiet enough that I can hear whoever is speaking?
Martin Caton: Order. I remind the hon. Gentleman that that was supposed to be an intervention.
Martin Caton: That is not a point of order, and the Committee needs to proceed. However, the hon. Lady might like to raise it with the Speaker.
Martin Caton: I have just ruled that it is not a point of order.
Martin Caton: That was very helpful, but I really would like to get on with the Academies Bill.
Martin Caton: The hon. Gentleman has made his point very well, and I hope that hon. Members recognise that they need to show courtesy during a vote.
Martin Caton: Things have now been clarified, and I would like to move on to amendment 71.
Martin Caton: I call Mike Hancock. [Interruption.] Mike Hancock?
Martin Caton: Order. I have been indulgent, but interventions should be a lot shorter than that.
Martin Caton: I call Stephen Twigg.
Martin Caton: Only amendment 20 can be pressed at this time.