HC Deb 20 November 1951 vol 494 cc225-6
Mr. Wyatt

On a point of order. Yesterday, a number of us had Questions down to the Prime Minister which, at his request, were postponed until today. They, therefore, lose their place on the Order Paper which they otherwise would have had, and they would have been answered today if they had not been displaced. I am wondering, in these exceptional circumstances, if the Prime Minister might be allowed to answer these Questions today.

Mr. Speaker

I have no power to vary the Standing Order which says that Questions should finish at 3.30. In view of the fact that I indicated to the Prime Minister that I would allow him to answer the Question about the Secret Session, as it is of general interest, I have allowed things to go on a little longer. I have no power to vary the Order myself.

Mr. F. J. Erroll

Surely it is possible for the individual Members concerned to have these Questions transferred until tomorrow, if that is their wish?

The Prime Minister

It is my great regret that some hon. Members whose Questions were on the Order Paper for yesterday at my request transferred them until today, but I had to attend a public ceremonial which, I am sure, the House would have given me leave to attend if there had been need to ask for it formally, and consequently they were put down for today. Today has not been very successful for the rapid accomplishment of Questions. There were only 19 answered in the first 30 minutes, and, therefore, I very much regret that hon. Gentlemen should have been disappointed. I would ask you, Mr. Speaker, whether it can be arranged for hon. Gentlemen who put off their Questions voluntary to oblige me to have an opportunity of putting them down for tomorrow.

Mr. Speaker

I will look into that matter to see what can be done and communicate with the hon. Members.

Mr. Wyatt

Further to that point of order. Can it be arranged for those Questions postponed by the Prime Minister yesterday to be first on the list for the Prime Minister, so that they can be reached tomorrow?

Mr. Speaker

I will consider that also.

Mr. Cyril Osborne

May I ask your guidance, Mr. Speaker, in raising a wider issue? In the late Parliament, it was raised on a number of occasions when Questions to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and sometimes to the Prime Minister were never reached. Questions were put to your predecessor as to whether the Prime Minister's questions should not appear on the Order Paper at No. 30 instead of No. 45, so that there would be time for Questions to the Chancellor of the Exchequer to be reached, in view of their importance. May I ask you guidance on that matter, and that it should be considered again?

Mr. Speaker

The order in which questions are asked of Ministers is arranged through the usual channels, with myself as umpire, but if there is a movement in that direction. I will gladly consider it.