Nominations closed at 1 pm yesterday for candidates for the post of Chair of the Backbench Business Committee. One nomination was received, and a ballot will therefore not be held. I congratulate Bob Blackman on his re-election as Chair of the Backbench Business Committee. Well done, Bob.

I thank the House for the confidence it has shown in me. I will endeavour to ensure that Back Benchers get the opportunity to debate the issues they wish to debate in this Chamber and in Westminster Hall as much as possible. I ask you to use your good offices, Mr Speaker, to prevail on the Government Whips, the Opposition Whips and indeed the Liberal Whips to ensure that they nominate their members of the Committee as fast as possible—preferably by tomorrow—so that the Committee can get up and working in the new Session to formulate those debates as soon as the Government allow us time.

I can only endorse what the hon. Gentleman says: the sooner we get the Committee working, the sooner we get the debates coming through. Once again, I thank him for the work he has put in already and the experience he has brought to this position.