division_name: Speaker's Statement &#8212; New Clause 7 &#8212; Variation in limit of number of holders of Ministerial offices
motion: <p class="" pid="a.108.0/1" pwmotiontext="yes">I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time.</p>
  
  <p class="" pid="a.108.0/2" pwmotiontext="yes">New clause 7 would amend the House of Commons Disqualification Act 1975, which currently sets the maximum number of Ministers allowed in this place at 95. As you know, Mr Streeter, part of this Bill, if passed, will bring about a reduction in the number of MPs from 650 to 600. My new clause is very modest in its scope. All I am seeking to do is to amend the 1975 Act to ensure that the ceiling for the number of Ministers is pushed down from 95 to 87, which directly reflects the percentage reduction in the number of Members of Parliament.</p>
  
  <p pid="a.132.1/1" pwmotiontext="yes"><i> Question put, </i>That the clause be read a Second time:-</p>
  
  <p pid="a.132.1/2" pwmotiontext="yes"><i> The Committee divided:</i> Ayes 241, Noes 293.</p>