HC Deb 13 February 1946 vol 419 cc383-4
Flight-lieutenant Haire

On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. May I draw the attention of the Leader of the House to the fact that of 156 starred Questions on the Order Paper today only 40 were answered, and ask whether he will consider taking steps to telescope certain Questions as, for instance, in the case of Sarawak, on which 10 out of 40 were asked today? Is it not possible that Questions shall be put on the Order Paper in relation to the strength of the parties in this House?

Viscount Hinchingbrooke

With regard to the wholly improper suggestion that the Government should in any way telescope Questions put down by Private Members of this House, is not the right to put down such Questions one of the great constitutional benefits?

The Lord President of the Council (Mr. Herbert Morrison)

I was about to say that the question of telescoping or otherwise interfering with Questions is not a matter for me, but a matter for the Chair, and we could not possibly interfere with that.

Mr. Renton

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that today's proceedings have been quite exceptional, that normally we manage to get through about 80 Questions a day, and that one Minister has been on his feet most of the time?

Mr. Morrison

That is so. I think it is a record for Question Time in this Parliament.

Mr. Speaker

I think the supplementary questions are responsible. If a large number of supplementary questions are asked, fewer Questions can be dealt with.

Mr. Hendbrson Stewart

Would it be possible, Mr. Speaker, to reconsider the method under which the Questions are now arranged? At present it appears that only once in a while, once in a fortnight or sometimes three weeks, may any particular Minister be expected to answer one's Questions, whereas in the old days there was a chance every week of each Minister answering at least some Questions. May I respectfully suggest that the present system does not work to the satisfaction of the House and perhaps should be reconsidered?

Mr. Speaker

This matter is before the Select Committee on Procedure, and it would be for the House and not for me to decide this question.

Sir T. Moore

In view of your statement, Mr. Speaker, would it not be possible to warn the House in advance which is going to be a Question day and which a supplementary question day?

Mr. Speaker

I think the doubt makes for an element of excitement.