On a point of order, Sir, in case there are votes later, may I point out that the clocks are three and a half minutes slow?

I will go by the clock in front of me. That is right as far as I am concerned.

I wish to raise on the Adjournment a Private Notice Question which you disallowed, but which I feel should be discussed on the Adjournment, concerning the interference by the Minister for Agriculture in the affairs of the Meat Marketing Board in not sanctioning the reappointment of the ICMSA nominee and refusing to renew the appointment of the managing director of that company, in that he deliberately interfered outside his statutory mandate ——

I will consider the matter for the Adjournment and will communicate with the Deputy.

May I seek your guidance? Assuming the debate on amendment 5a continues until 5 p.m., when can one contribute to the Fifth Stage: "That the Bill do now pass"? It is at that stage that I wish to make a contribution.

If the Committee Stage continues until 5 p.m. then, in accordance with an order of the House made this morning without dissent, I will put an omnibus question to the House covering Committee Stage, The Report Stage and the Final Stage.

At that stage would you be prepared to accept a contribution on the Fifth Stage.

I will deal with the various Stages of the Bill in accordance with Standing Orders.

Where does the Deputy stand who has comments to make on the final passage of the Bill? Do you not consider that it might be unreasonable in view of the circumstances you outlined?

This morning this House unanimously instructed the Chair to act as I propose to act. I have no discretion in the matter.