Right of Reply and Press Standards Bill — 25 Feb 2005 at 14:04

I beg to move, That the Bill be now read a Second time.

This is an unexpected opportunity to promote my Bill. I extend a word of sympathy to the hon. Member for Brecon and Radnorshire (Mr. Williams), who cannot be here today. I believe that his wife is ill disposed. Not ill disposed-I mean indisposed. She may be ill disposed-[Interruption.] Yes, she may demand a right of reply and I should be pleased to give it to her. However, I make the point not only so that we can send her our best wishes but because, when my name was drawn out of the ballot, I received letters from all over the country from people who beseeched me to take up the Bill that the hon. Member for Brecon and Radnorshire adopted. I do not want those people to believe that the hon. Gentleman has gone on his holidays or is failing in his duty to promote that measure. It will be considered in the House in due course.

Question put, That the Bill be read a Second time.

The House divided: Ayes 6, Noes 12.

Debate in Parliament | Historical Hansard | Source |