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Sunday Trading (London Olympic Games and Paralympic Games) Bill [Lords] (Allocation of Time)

I am grateful for your instruction, Mr Deputy Speaker. I also question the fact that this debate is taking place on, essentially, the last day of the Session, given that the issue has always been subject to a one-line vote and is a matter of conscience. So the Government knew that a great many Members would not be in the Chamber, but would be out campaigning in the local elections. That shows a degree of cynicism that, even for this Government, is quite outrageous. The Government knew that many people who are opposed to this measure on principle would not be here. That is a question for their business managers. In my notes, I have put an asterisk after the term ““business managers””, because when it comes to this Government, that is a very generous term. We have had very many days during this Parliament when the Whips have been frantically running around looking for stuff to vote on and not being able to find it, and we have all been sent home early. Day after day, there has not been a vote, and suddenly an issue of importance comes before us on the last day of the Session and we are all expected to come down to London to vote on it. That is a disgrace.