[Mr. Frank Cook in the Chair]

Clauses 238 and 239 ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Schedule 22 agreed to.

Clause 240 ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Schedule 23 agreed to.

Clauses 241 to 244 ordered to stand part of the Bill.

On a point of order, Mr. Cook. I rise because I had occasion earlier today to read Hansard for the third sitting on Thursday 21 October. This issue arises because I did not check the record before it was printed, as one has a chance to do, and I apologise to the Committee for that.

In my speech, which begins in column 104, I used the phrase ''gay and lesbian people'' rather a lot. However, Hansard has recorded ''gay'' but missed out ''lesbian''. In some areas, ''gay'' refers overwhelmingly to men and does not include women. I just want to make it clear on the record, if that is possible, that I said ''gay and lesbian'' and that all my references to ''gay'' in Hansard also refer to lesbians. Part of the trouble that lesbians have is that they are invisible, and I do not want to be seen to fall into that trap. I request that Hansard include the word ''lesbian'' if it passes my lips.

Further to that point of order, Mr. Cook. Would the hon. Lady accept that it is shorter and simpler just to say same-sex?

Order. The point of order is for the Chair. I would appreciate it if hon. Members would address their point of order to the Chair and not elsewhere.

On the point of order, I am happy that the hon. Lady has had the opportunity to put her concerns on the record. I am sure that Hansard will print her comments very clearly on this occasion, and I hope that she will be able to point to the appropriate column to correct any misunderstanding of her earlier comments.