division_name: Northern Ireland Assembly (Elections and Periods of Suspension) Bill
motion: <p class="" pid=".64.2/1" pwmotiontext="yes">I beg to move, That the Bill be now read a Second time.</p>
  
  <p class="" pid=".64.2/2" pwmotiontext="yes">This Bill provides for deferment of the elections for the Northern Ireland Assembly that were due to be held on <phrase class="date" code="2003-05-29">29 May</phrase>. I very much regret having to introduce the Bill. I should have much preferred to present an order for the restoration of devolved Government. Elections should be deferred only for the most compelling reasons. However, I am clear that, in presenting the Bill, the Government are doing what is most likely to sustain the Good Friday agreement and a political process that will bring nearer the day when we shall be able to restore the devolved institutions.</p>
  
  <p pid=".125.2/1" pwmotiontext="yes"><i>It being Ten o'clock,</i> Mr. Deputy Speaker, <i>pursuant to Order [this day], put forthwith the Question,</i> That the Bill be read a Second time:&#8212;</p>
  
  <p pid=".125.2/2" pwmotiontext="yes"><i>The House divided:</i> Ayes 290, Noes 22.</p>