Paul
Rowen: I echo the sentiments expressed by the Minister and
the hon. Member for Hertsmere. I have certainly enjoyed your
chairmanship, Mr. Amess, and that of your co-Chairman. You
have been fair and reasonable about the way in which the business of
the
Committee has been conducted. I also express my thanks to the Committee
Clerk, the Doorkeepers, those doing shorthand and all Members who have
contributed.
This has
probably been the most top-heavy Bill Committee that I have served on
in terms of Ministers and ex-Ministers—I am not including
weight. When the debate moves to the Floor of the House, it will
certainly be interesting, because I do not think that it will be as
consensual, and I will not feel that I am such a lone voice when
raising concerns. I also thank the hon. Member for Glasgow, East, who
represents the Scottish National party. This is his first Public Bill
Committee, and I think that he has done extremely well in the
circumstances, notwithstanding the Minister’s
comments. John
Mason (Glasgow, East) (SNP): I think that I said at the
beginning of our proceedings that this is the first time that I have
served on a Public Bill Committee, so this has been very much a
learning experience. I am sure that I have learned how to do something
from every Member here—from one or two I have learned how not to
do things. I suppose that I am a little disappointed that Ministers did
not take on at least one amendment, but I have had a good experience,
and I appreciate all the help from staff and
others.
The
Chairman: May I thank colleagues for their kind and
generous remarks? Mr. Hood and I would like to thank
colleagues for making this such an easy Bill to chair. The reason why
it was so easy was that, at all times, hon. Members kept in good order
and the debate was conducted in good spirit and with great
humour—many thanks. I thank the Clerk for his expert advice,
which the Committee has appreciated at all times, and the rest of the
staff of the Commons for the way in which they have served the
Committee. Question
put and agreed
to. Bill,
as amended, to be
reported. 5.4
pm Committee
rose.
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