HC Deb 08 July 1880 vol 253 c1920
MR. J. COWEN

said, they had now been employed close on two hours in asking Questions, and having been able to minute the time he could say that the reading of the Questions had occupied above an hour. He wished to ask Mr. Speaker if it was absolutely incumbent on hon. Members to read their Questions; because, if not, it would be a considerable saving of the time of House?

MR. SPEAKER

In answer to the inquiry of the hon. Member, I have to state that there is no absolute rule on the matter to which he refers. It has been the general practice for many years for hon. Members in putting Questions to read those Questions, and it has been generally found to be a convenient course. There is, however, as I have said, no rule on the subject.