It is proposed to order Nos. 1 and 2. In regard to No. 1, with the continuation of the discussion of the Second Stage of the Finance Bill, 1986, I have been told informally that there are likely to be a dozen speakers or more on this. Accordingly, in order not to give speakers I think any feeling of being cramped I think that the House should not suspend from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. as usual. I have every hope that we will be able to accommodate everyone without sitting unduly past 5 p.m. If, on the other hand, the Second Stage of the Finance Bill is reached before 4 p.m. then and only then would we take up No. 2 and debate until 5 p.m.
Order of Business.
Could I ask the Leader of the House on the Order of Business to make some attempt to bring us up to date on progress in relation to the structure? We are slipping steadily into a year from the time when this work was supposed to begin. I have criticised the Office of Public Works in the past of their sloppy approach to this business. I am beginning to feel that perhaps somewhat similar criticism could now be directed at the Committee on Procedures and Privileges for their lack of haste in ensuring that the measure of respect due to this building as a seat of Parliament is upheld. I ask the Leader of the House to indicate when progress will be made, if progress is to be made at all.
We met the officials of the Office of Public Works and we will be making a report to you in the next few days.
Order of Business agreed to.