The Tories at work

A scene in the House of Commons this morning, during a debate on the Off-Road Vehicles (Registration) Bill. This is a private members Bill, which the government opposes, so it is unlikely every to see the light of day. However, the issue that brings it to the House is very serious – the rash of illegal off-roaders on mini-motorbike, making people's lives a misery.

That such issues should be discussed is what we pay our MPs for yet, as the "debate" progressed, it was not to get any better.

The second scene is taken an hour later, when the minister, Dr Stephen Ladyman is speaking. Clearly, participation in debates is not a priority for Tory back-benchers (all of whom will undoubtedly have other, quite valid calls on their time). But one cannot avoid taking the view that, if none at all can be bother to show up for this, are they really interested in what we think about anything else?

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