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Business of the House

I note that next week’s provisional business covers Monday 13 March, which is Commonwealth day. Has the Leader of the House seen early-day motion 1709, which has been signed by numerous hon. Members, including me? [That this House, in common with all parliaments of the Commonwealth, gladly observes Commonwealth Day on Monday 13th March; sincerely supports this year’s theme of Health and Vitality—The Commonwealth Challenge, emphasising the Commonwealth’s commitment to health and fitness to bring hope to the world; and recognises the excellent work done by the United Kingdom branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association in partnership with its sister branches in the advancement of parliamentary democracy and good governance throughout the Commonwealth.] Despite the pressures of parliamentary business, would it not be appropriate to have a debate in Government time on the performance, role, objectives and future of the Commonwealth’s promotion of parliamentary democracy and good governance in countries throughout the world?