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Business of the House

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman. He was clearly getting into a contentious area in the later part of his remarks. I appreciate the vote of confidence, if that is what it was. I was not in any way failing to recognise the seriousness of this issue for right hon. and hon. Members throughout the country. The issue affects all Members of the House. I was not suggesting that a debate in Westminster Hall was a substitute. I was suggesting that if Opposition Members believe that it is important to have such a debate before Christmas, that is an opportunity. If, however, the wish is to have the debate on the Floor of the House, I assure the House that opportunity will be given early in the new year.