Steel Industry (Special Measures) Bill

Caroline Nokes in the Chair

It might be helpful if I begin by explaining how the Committee stage will proceed. A number of amendments have been tabled, published and selected for debate. The amendment paper and selection list are available in the Vote Office. However, because it is now after 2 pm, there is no time available for debate. Amendments that are not debated are not subsequently selected for separate decision.

On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. It is obviously deeply regrettable that the Government were not prepared for the eventualities that they have faced. We know they were not prepared because the Bill was not ready until 9.30 this morning. An obvious omission from the Bill is a sunset clause, and many Members here today have spoken in favour of such a clause. Indeed, Ministers have suggested that they want this legislation to be time-limited. Consequently, it is deeply regrettable that it sounds as though the House will not have an opportunity to vote on a sunset clause. Can you advise the House on whether there is anything that can be done at this stage to ensure that we get a vote on amendment 1 and/or new clause 2?

I thank the hon. Member for his point of order. He will know that it is long-standing practice that the Chair does not select for separate decision any proposition that has not been debated. It is therefore not possible for any of the amendments or new clauses to be called at this stage.

Question put forthwith (Order, this day), That the Bill be now read the Third time.

Under today’s order of the House, I may not adjourn the House until any messages from the Lords have been received and I have reported the Royal Assent of any Act agreed by both Houses. The House is accordingly suspended until we have received a message from the House of Lords about the amendments to the Bill and I am able to signify Royal Assent. I will arrange for the Division Bells to ring, and for a message to appear on the annunciators, a few minutes before the sitting is resumed.

I inform the House that a message has been received from the Lords, as follows:

“The Lords agree to the Steel Industry (Special Measures) Bill, without amendment.”

Royal Assent

I have to notify the House, in accordance with the Royal Assent Act 1967, that His Majesty has signified his Royal Assent to the following Act:

Steel Industry (Special Measures) Act 2025.

Adjournment

Before I adjourn the House, I once again pass on my thanks to all the staff of the House, who have worked extremely hard at very short notice to make this sitting happen. The House stands adjourned —I have had apologies from Jim Shannon, by the way. [Laughter.] Have a good Easter, everyone.