OFFENDER MANAGEMENT BILL (PROGRAMME) (NO. 2)

House of Commons, 28 February 2007.

James Brokenshire (Conservative, Hornchurch)

I note that the Government have sought to bring forward a further programme motion in relation to debate on this important issue. We know that the Government have been in difficulties with their own side, therefore it is hardly surprising that certain key aspects of the Bill and the debate thereon will be curtailed by the programme motion. That is a pity, as we need a full debate on those matters. However, in the interests of ensuring that that debate is prolonged, I will curtail my comments, save to note the Government's attempt to limit debate by hon. Members of certain key aspects of this important Bill.

Gerry Sutcliffe (Labour, Bradford South)

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for keeping his remarks brief. The programme motion is designed to ensure that we give adequate time to all the issues. This is an important Bill, as recognised on both sides of the House, and I look forward to an interesting and exciting debate.

Question put and agreed to.