Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Leader of the House

Oral Answers to Questions

Angela Smith Excerpts
Thursday 22nd March 2012

(12 years, 1 month ago)

Commons Chamber
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David Heath Portrait Mr Heath
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Obviously I cannot pre-empt what will be announced on 9 May, but the Government remain committed to introducing the Groceries Code Adjudicator Bill. I am pleased that the draft Bill has received pre-legislative scrutiny and that it has been warmly received across the House. As my hon. Friend rightly says, I have a clear constituency interest in the progress of that particular piece of legislation.

Angela Smith Portrait Angela Smith (Penistone and Stocksbridge) (Lab)
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Will the Deputy Leader of the House confirm that the Committee stage of the House of Lords (Amendment) Bill will be taken on the Floor of the House? Will he also ensure that the Government will not ram the legislation through the Commons, as they did with the Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Act 2011, and that there will be sufficient time for debate?

David Heath Portrait Mr Heath
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The House of Lords (Amendment) Bill is a constitutional Bill, and it is normal that the Committee stages of such Bills are taken on the Floor of the House. I have no reason to suppose that this Bill will be an exception. We will of course provide adequate time for debate.