HC Deb 04 March 1924 vol 170 cc1183-4
Major COLFOX

On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. I desire to ask as to the best method to adopt to obtain a verbal answer from the Postmaster-General. I have made inquiries, and find that Tuesday is his day for answering questions; but I notice on the Order Paper to-day that the first question to the Postmaster-General is No. 98. Are there any means available for hon. Members to get a verbal answer?

Mr. SPEAKER

As I have said before, the arrangement of questions does not come within my province. If the hon. and gallant Gentleman will make representations through the usual channels, I am sure the matter will be attended to. The only suggestion I have to make is that Ministers who have long replies to questions should circulate them in the OFFICIAL REPORT, instead of reading them to the House, especially if those answers contain a number of figures. But question time is, I think, improving.

Major COLFOX

Can I take it that any questions to the Postmaster-General which are down for to-day, and which are postponed till to-morrow will be answered to-morrow? [HON. MEMBERS: No!"]

Mr. BECKER

Could we have a little longer time for questions? [HON. MEMBERS: "No!"]

Mr. SPEAKER

That is a matter fixed by the Standing Order.