HC Deb 25 April 1956 vol 551 cc1780-2

At the end of Questions—

Mr. Ellis Smith

You will remember, Mr. Speaker, that before Easter I asked you a question about business. I adopted that policy in order to give you time to consider what was happening. Are you now in a position to reply?

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member asked me before Easter about the custom whereby Privy Councillors in the House are given priority. I promised to consider it, and I have done as I promised and have made some research into the matter. I find that the custom of giving priority to Privy Councillors is of great antiquity in the House. Therefore, I am bound by the practice of the House. It follows that if this practice is to be changed it must be changed by the House.

Mr. Nicholson

Further to a question that I asked you earlier this afternoon, Mr. Speaker, I understand that it is the practice of the House that Privy Councillors have priority when they wish to speak, but is it not rather an innovation that in permitting supplementary questions by them you always give preference to Privy Councillors regardless of the side of the House on which they sit? Surely it is the practice of this House that supplementary questions should come alternatively from either side. Consequently, is not your practice in this respect a slight innovation?

Mr. Speaker

The practical difficulty about the matter is that Privy Councillors on my right very seldom offer themselves to ask supplementary questions.

Mr. Hamilton

Further to that point, Mr. Speaker. Would you consider referring the activities of Privy Councillors to the Monopolies Commission?

Mr. Speaker

That is beyond my powers.

Mr. Ellis Smith

Might I address another question to you, Mr. Speaker? I had not realised that your statement was intended to be final. Will you be good enough to indicate how the House can take the next step following your statement?

Mr. Speaker

The ordinary procedure of the House, if it wishes to change its practice, is to put down a Motion or something of that sort and get it debated and carried by the House. Without such instructions from the House, I am unable to vary such a long-standing practice.

Mr. Usborne

Will you tell us. Mr. Speaker, exactly how such a debate would be conducted? If there was a Motion in the terms to which you have referred, would it not be obligatory upon you only to call Privy Councillors if they sought to speak?

Mr. Speaker

I think that the hon. Member has raised a real difficulty. We shall have to see how we can get on.

Mr. Ellis Smith

I wish to thank you, Mr. Speaker, for the attention you have given to the matter. I assure you that your advice will be followed.