HC Deb 06 November 1946 vol 428 c1392

The following Question stood on the Order Paper:

58. Mr. R. A. BUTLER.—To ask the Minister of Food whether he will state the number of building firms and contractors in the Saffron Walden, Dunmow and Halstead rural districts who have been able to organise canteen services in order to enable building workers to take out adequate packed meals.

At the end of Questions—

Mr. Driberǵ

On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. Can we have an oral answer to Question 58, since you did call the name of the right hon. Member for Saffron Walden (Mr. R. A. Butler) before the point of Order raised by the hon. Member for Orpington (Sir W. Smithers)?

Mr. Speaker

Not unless the Minister chooses to do so. I laid it down the other day that hon. Members cannot get up and ask for Questions to be answered. It is the Minister's prerogative as to whether he will answer a Question. I am sorry for the right hon. Gentleman.

Mr. R. A. Butler

I hope that it is not suggested, Mr. Speaker, that I did not rise in my place. I was deferring to your Ruling which permitted someone else to ask a supplementary question.

Mr. Speaker

I am afraid that the right hon. Gentleman's own leader got up, and I called upon him to ask the supplementary question.