§ 46. Mr. Shepherdasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the use now made of the Count and the changed circumstances since it was first introduced. He will move to amend Standing Orders 27 and 28 with a view to abolishing the Count and, as a safeguard, substituting a minimum number of votes to be required in support of a Question before it can be carried.
§ The Prime MinisterThe right to call a Count is founded on very long-established practice. I am not clear what changed circumstances my hon. Friend has in mind but I do not consider that a procedure of such antiquity should be lightly changed. I would also point out that the need for a quorum is common to almost all assemblies.