We have explored the possibility of using arrangements
for programming legislation which are more formal than the usual
channels but more flexible than the guillotine. We believe that
the spirit of these reforms requires co-operation from all sides
of the House. We recommend to the House that, for a trial
period, and in respect only of some bills, the House adopt an
alternative approach as set out below:
(i) The Bills to be selected
for programming during this trial period should be agreed through
the usual channels, and should include some Bills of real substance,
including at least one Bill against which the Opposition proposes
to divide on Second Reading.
(ii) As soon as possible after formal presentation
of such a Bill or its receipt from the House of Lords, discussions
on a programme should take place between the usual channels, taking
account of representations from all sides of the House, including
backbenchers.
(iii) In the light of these discussions the Government
should move an amendable programme motion directly after Second
Reading, which could include:
(a) the Committee option
to be followed
(b) the date by which the Bill should be reported
from committee. The Committee itself would then decide how its
time should be used to consider all sections of the bill within
this timetable
(c) the amount of time proposed for Report Stage
and Third Reading
(d) in defined circumstances, provisions for
carry-over to a subsequent session.
(iv) The questions necessary to dispose of proceedings
on a programme motion shall be put not later than 45 minutes after
the commencement of such proceedings.
(v) The question on any subsequent motion to
modify the original programme should be put forthwith, provided
that a motion proposing to reduce the time agreed in the original
programme motion or to bring forward the date for reporting the
bill from committee should be treated as a programme motion.
(vi) A Bill subject to the terms of a programme
motion shall not subsequently be made subject to an allocation
of time motion in respect of those stages referred to in the programme
motion.
(vii) For any such Bill committed to a Standing
Committee or Special Standing Committee a programming sub-committee
would be appointed by the Committee of Selection, to be chaired
by the Chairman of the Standing Committee.
(viii) Programming sub-committees would have
power to meet before the first meeting of the Committee to agree
a programme for consideration of the Bill within the limits agreed
by the House.
(ix) In drawing up a programme the sub-committee
should take into account the need for all parts of the Bill to
receive proper consideration and the rights of the Opposition
and other parties and Members to be given adequate time to discuss
matters to which they attach particular importance.
(x) Sufficient time should also be allowed in
the programme for consultation with those outside Parliament.
(xi) The conclusions of the sub-committee should
be embodied in a committee programming motion to be moved at the
beginning of the first sitting, and proceedings on that motion
should be concluded no later than one hour after it is moved,
together with any amendments selected: the question on any subsequent
such motions should be put forthwith.
(xii) The Chairman of a Standing Committee on
a Bill subject to a programme should be given discretion to extend
the time for debate on a particular Question for up to one hour
where it appears to him or her to be necessary to ensure that
all parts of the Bill are properly considered, within the overall
limits agreed by the House."
