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Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill

Given the seriousness of the situation that we face this evening, for example, it would be intolerable to keep people up late for no useful purpose. That is precisely why I am making these very useful comments—to ensure that what happens is in line with the proper principles of administrative law. On the next provision, which is amendment 154, there are a number of other extremely important matters that are of grave concern. That is so important that hon. Members have devised a special provision—not merely an amendment of the kind that I have described but the very well-thought-out separate paragraph (4A), which says:"““If the difference between the total number of votes cast in the referendum in the country in favour of the answer ““Yes”” and the total number of votes cast in the referendum in the country in favour of the answer ““No””—" this is crucially important—"““is fewer than 10,000””—" Debate interrupted (Programme Order, 12 October). The Chair put forthwith the Question already proposed from the Chair (Standing Order No. 83D), That the amendment be made. Amendment negatived. The Chair then put forthwith the Questions necessary for the disposal of the business to be concluded at that time (Standing Order No. 83D). Amendment proposed: 353, page 49, line 15, at end insert—"'(aa) certify as respects the votes cast in each parliamentary constituency within his area—""(i) the number of ballot papers counted by him in that parliamentary constituency; and""(ii) the number of votes cast in favour and against to the question asked in the referendum.'—(Chris Bryant.)" Question put, That the amendment be made. The Committee divided: Ayes 223, Noes 344.