When is it proposed to order Second Stage?

Subject to the agreement of the Whips, it will be taken next Tuesday, 15 December 1981.

My understanding of the position is that the Bill will be ordered for the first day after the Recess.

I would like to point out that no agreement has been reached on this but it is proposed to try to reach agreement and have it taken next Tuesday.

If that is the position of the Minister and the Government we shall have to regard all the arrangements we have entered into as being negatived. We have gone to great trouble to facilitate the Government in this situation. There are a number of very complicated Bills coming before us, legislation to which, in the normal course of events, we would like to give very considerable time. We have, very reluctantly and in the interests of the people concerned, agreed to curtail our rights. Part of the understanding was that this Bill could be mentioned before the Recess but would not be taken until the first day after the Recess.

I assume it will not be taken unless there is agreement between the Whips. I am following normal procedure and I am surprised to hear the Leader of the Opposition making that point. I am suggesting that if agreement is reached we are prepared to take this next Tuesday.

I will not push it any further now but there is either a breach of agreement or a misunderstanding, because my understanding was that the Second Stage would be ordered today for the first day after the Recess. If the Minister agrees it will not be taken without the agreement of the Whips I am satisfied.

Perhaps the Whips might consider this further because that is not my understanding of the position. Therefore further discussion between the Whips is desirable.

We have to get a date for Second Stage.

The normal practice is that a date is asked for and if it is agreed the Bill is taken on that day. I suggest the Second Stage be ordered for next Tuesday, if agreement is reached by the Whips.

It can be ordered for next Tuesday but will not be taken unless the Whips agree.