§ Sir T. MooreOn a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. Could I have your guidance and advice on the following matter? I have a Question on the Order Paper, No. 101, and it has been on the Paper for the last fortnight. It is in regard to the reconstruction of the Home Guard. Yesterday my hon. and gallant Friend the Joint Under-Secretary of State for War anticipated my Question by one day when he made his statement. Now, Sir, Question Time is almost the one democratic privilege left to us Members of Parliament—[HON. MEMBERS: "No"]—and had I known that that statement was to have been made yesterday, I 1445 would have withdrawn my Question and substituted another. As our time is so restricted now, I would like your advice as to what are the responsibilities of Ministers in the matter of permitting Members to ask as many Questions as possible?
Mr. SpeakerIf the hon. and gallant Member will have a little patience, I think a statement is being made shortly on that subject.
§ Mr. BellengerI notice that the practice is growing of Ministers getting up, without being asked a Question, to make a statement. Is that in accordance with the customs of the House?
§ Mr. BevanIs it not more important to have a statement from a Minister as expeditiously as possible, especially in view of our present congested position?