Orders of the Day — Energy Conservation (Housing) Bill

House of Commons, 30 April 1999.

Clive Efford (Labour, Eltham)

I beg to move, That the Bill be now read a Second time. Much has been made today of attempts to bounce Bills through the House. This Bill is identical to the Bill I presented during the previous Session of Parliament, which reached its Third Reading and was shot down by the lone voice of one Member. My Bill would bring benefits to 1 million tenants of registered social landlords nationally, achieve efficiencies in drawing up energy conservation strategies by local authorities and lead to the efficient use of resources.

Alan Meale (Labour, Mansfield)

I assure my hon. Friend that the Government fully support the Bill going speedily forward.

Clive Efford (Labour, Eltham)

I thank my hon. Friend, and hope that the Bill receives its Second Reading.

Eric Forth (Conservative, Bromley and Chislehurst)

This Bill contrasts with the Protection of Children Bill, which my right hon. Friend the Member for Penrith and The Border (Mr. Maclean) rightly praised. It was debated carefully by hon. Members, the promoter was careful to achieve consensus and it received a proper hearing in Committee and on Report. Is it not sad that some people seem to believe that they can make law by diminishing the role of this House and seeking to circumvent its proper rules and procedures—

Michael Martin (Deputy Speaker, Glasgow Springburn)

Order.