Business Statement

Next week the House will be adjourned for 1 week. When the House resumes on Tuesday, 27 September the Government intends to move the first reading of the Taxation (Annual Rates, Returns Filing, and Remedial Matters) Bill, the remaining stages of the Subordinate Legislation (Confirmation and Validation) Bill, and other Government business. Seven retiring members will be giving their valedictory statements. Wednesday, 28 September is scheduled to be a members’ day.

I think a number of questions flow out of that statement, especially around the enthralling legislation that the Minister listed. I will ask him, in particular, about the legislation that flows from the sleepover case. I understand that there is an undertaking from the Government to introduce it, and I want to make it clear that as long as it is in the form that is expected, the Labour Opposition will facilitate its passage before Christmas, if it is necessary, as I understand that it is. I also ask him whether any other legislation is contemplated.

I thank the shadow Leader of the House for his offer of facilitation on that particular matter. It is the Government’s intention to introduce that legislation at the first opportunity. Discussions may well follow from the introduction of that legislation. In respect of the shadow Leader of the House’s second matter about other legislation, the Government is always busy, and is keen to make the most of every remaining minute between now and 6 October.