And now it is up to each and every one of us to remind our MPs of our objections and ask that they take part in the debate.

Wouldn't it be nice if an upto date edition of the Bill were available for comment?

Lobbying will now start in earnest!

Just to remind you:
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/BroadsBill/
Almost 100 objections!

Text of EDP article today:

QUOTE - Broads Bill Now Set to be Debated –

Two Tory MPs have won their fight to have a bill that is designed to enhance the safety and running of the Broads debated in Parliament after they blocked it for a third time.

Michael Martin, speaker of the Commons granted the wish of Norfolk MPs Keith Simpson and Richard Bacon for a three-hour discussion, to be held on April 17, after some of their constituents raised concerns.

These included claims that it gave officials without a warrant the right to inspect boats deemed unsafe.

And town and parish councils said they were worried that they would not be represented on the Broads Authority.

Mr Simpson, MP for Mid Norfolk, said he was not trying to “wreck” the bill, saying: “I think overall this bill has got good objectives to improve safety.”

He said he would give his questions to the Broads Authority in advance of the debate so Ian Gibson, Labour MP for Norwich North, who introduced the bill, could prepare answers.

He added he hoped solutions could be found to the points of disagreement, adding: “If there is a sticking point, hopefully some form of compromise can be reached.”

Boating interests have been wary of the bill, which seeks to update the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads Act of 1988, giving the Broads Authority new power to make the Broads safer to navigate and facilitate. Most objections have now been resolved.

A spokesman for the authority said officials still expected the bill to get through Parliament in readiness for new safety requirements in April 2008.

He added: “People are very suspicious and protective of their rights, but the bill is being introduced for the safety of all Broads users.” UNQUOTE

The bill surely isn't going to be ash by Wednesday GF.

I notice that there's still no link from the Parliament web site to the text of the four individual petitions. I don't know whether it should or shouldn't take this long to make them public, or whether they are being held back for presentation at the time of Commons debate.

Anyone know?

SS

EDP report on the MP's objections in the Commons today.

http://new.edp24.co.uk/content/news/story.aspx?brand=EDPOnli ne&category=News&tBrand=edponline&tCategory=news&itemid=NOED 06%20Feb%202007%2019%3A06%3A05%3A997

On Parliament TV at 2:30 this afternoon, objections were again raised against passage of the Bill through the house. There appeared to be more objections on this occasion than when the motion was presented last week. The detailed reports later will be of great interest.