[Mr. Eric Illsley in the Chair]

Motion made, and Question proposed,

That the Order of the Committee [17th December] be amended as follows—

(1) in paragraph (3), by leaving out '34' and inserting '26';

(2) after paragraph (3), by inserting—

'(3A) the proceedings on Clause 27 to 34 (so far as not previously concluded) shall be brought to a conclusion at 7 p.m. on Thursday 9th January 2003;'

(3) in paragraph (4), by leaving out '5.15 p.m.' and inserting '6.50 p.m.'.—[Mr. Heppell.]

I support the motion, which underlines how important the Bill is for policing. I also want to take this opportunity to mention a very sad event that occurred in my constituency. Yesterday, a police dog-handler and his dog were dragged along by the car of a joyrider that they were trying to apprehend, and the officer is in a critical, indeed life-threatening, condition. Brave officers such as he serve our communities and they will be looking to the Committee to ensure that the Bill is something of which we can all be proud.

I am sure that the hon. Gentleman carries the whole Committee with him.

Question put and agreed to.