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Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill

The First Deputy Chairman of Ways and Means responded to a point of order on the same lines when she was in the Chair earlier. The discontent felt in certain parts of the House is on the record and Mr. Speaker will be aware of that, but he is the servant of the House and must preside over what the House agrees to do. It is not possible to involve the Chair in determining the length of time devoted to any particular item of business, or indeed what the business before the House is. That has not been how things have been done, and any change would require a radical rethink. However, the hon. Member for Hayes and Harlington (John McDonnell) is quite right to say that Mr. Speaker is concerned about the rights of Members, and no doubt he will study carefully the views that have been expressed in the House today.