Speaker's Statement

The minister in the House of Commons has announced that the book for entering the private Members' Bill ballot is now open in the No Lobby. The book will remain open until the House rises today and while the House is sitting tomorrow. Members can sign the book in the No Lobby until 6 pm on both days, after which it will be taken to the Public Bill Office and remain open for signatures until the rise of the House. The ballot itself will be drawn at 9 am this Thursday in Committee Room 8. The minister has also stated that an announcement setting out these arrangements, as well as the dates when ten-minute rule motions can be made and presentation Bills introduced, has been published in the Order Paper. This information is being provided to ensure that all Members are aware of the process and deadlines for the private Members' Bill ballot.