Missing MP sinks Commons debate

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/uk_politics/6421553.stm

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A special Commons debate has had to be cancelled because the MP who called it was still on the train to London.

Labour's Graham Allen had secured an "adjournment debate" at the end of the day's business about a project to stop problem families drifting into crime.

But it was put forward by more than an-hour-and-a-half.

Mr Allen had been in his Nottingham constituency talking to three ministers about the scheme. He could not arrive in time and the debate was cancelled.

It had been set for 2200GMT on Monday.

But debate beforehand - about the court system - ended more than an hour-and-and-a-half early.

When the MP was called by Commons deputy speaker Sylvia Heal, he was not in the chamber.

Mr Allen now have to resubmit his application for a debate, but it could be several weeks before it takes place.