Member

I express my gratitude to the Government Chief Whip, who, without ever breaching the neutrality that the Government adopted, was helpful and co-operative at all stages of this Bill going through the House. I am also grateful to all in his office, in particular, as he said, Michael Bleakley, who has dealt so patiently with the groupings each week. The Chief Whip made available 16 days for consideration, which was unprecedented for a Private Member’s Bill. The Bill did need more time than a normal Private Member’s Bill—and it got it. The reason that the Bill has failed to complete its processes in this House is not because of a lack of time; it is because a small minority were not willing to co-operate, as we normally do, to ensure that there can be proportionate debate.