HC Deb 23 April 1956 vol 551 c1423
Mrs. Braddock

On a point of order. Before you call the next Question, Mr. Speaker, would you give me a little assistance? Ministry of Supply Questions will not be answered orally for a little time and there is a lot of concern in the country about what happened to a certain Mr. Teakle, who was Deputy-Director of the Ministry of Supply when a lot of this surplus material was being disposed of. Can you assist me, Mr. Speaker, as to the method to be employed for having Questions asked and Answers given in this House about something which has become a national scandal?

Mr. Speaker

I know nothing about that. The hon. Lady has not given notice of the Question. She could always put down a Question for Written Answer at any time before the Minister's turn comes again.

Mr. Dodds

Further to that point of order. Could you give an opinion, Mr. Speaker, as to whether or not there is likely in the near future to be an Adjournment debate allocated to the question of Government surplus stocks?

Mr. Speaker

I could not say about that.

Air Commodore Harvey

Further to that point of order. Is it right, Mr. Speaker, for an hon. Member to put a question to you regarding an individual who is unable to defend himself, when the Minister concerned is not able to reply, which merely starts a hare and puts the individual himself in an impossible position?

Mr. Speaker

That is the responsibility of the hon. Member who asks the Question.