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Business of the House (Lisbon Treaty)

We could talk at great length about the editions of ““Erskine May””, but I have just quoted the hon. Gentleman a bit of it. Some right hon. and hon. Members have said that only amendments should be taken, but that would hinder the consideration of the treaty. The Bill is short and general; amendments cannot target treaty innovations adequately. We are concerned that we should scrutinise the treaty as well as the Bill. My hon. Friend the Minister for Europe began to describe the flexibility that was mentioned a little earlier. Paragraph (6) of the motion gives the House the flexibility to alter the balance between themed debate and amendments, and between different days. Until as late as the rising of the House on the sitting day before an allotted day, the Government will be able to respond to requests to allow more time on themed debates or more time on amendments.