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Regional Select Committee (London)

It is wonderful to hear your words, Mr. Speaker, because they are the voice of reason. The interesting point made by the hon. Member for Paisley and Renfrewshire, North is that it would have been fantastic if we could have had this debate before 10 o'clock. In fact, there are many opportunities where we do not vote and could have had this debate. As my right hon. Friend the Member for West Derbyshire (Mr. McLoughlin), who is second only to you, Mr. Speaker, in my esteem on these matters—[Interruption.] I am choosing my words very carefully. As my right hon. Friend said, there were opportunities to do this at another hour. I regret this situation, because I want to get back home to Uxbridge—in Middlesex, and still in London—but I feel so strongly that we must debate the matter that I will continue.