Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Bill (Programme) (No. 2)

The Opposition have contributed to the Bill in a responsible, moderate and constructive manner, as befits a Conservative party that expects to be the next Government, so I have to say that I am a little disappointed that the Government’s Stalinist tendencies have been reinforced in the Bill’s return to the House. We have just heard two statements on important issues. Many of the amendments are Government amendments so will take up an awful lot of time—and although my colleagues and I had the privilege of serving on the Bill Committee, the proceedings on Report should give all Members the opportunity to make a contribution, yet the consequence of the programme motion is, sadly, that ordinary Back Benchers who deserve to have their say—