Hovercraft (Hansard, 6 July 1959)

§ 41. Mr. Hale
asked the Minister of Supply on what date the preliminary suggestion for the design of the Cockerell Hovercraft was first submitted to his Department; what assistance was given; what action was taken; and on what date.

§ The Minister of Supply (Mr. Aubrey Jones)
I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Members for Twickenham (Mr. Gresham Cooke) and Lincoln (Mr. de Freitas) on 29th June.

§ Mr. Hale
In view of the fact that that reply was entirely inaudible to me, perhaps it would be repeated. How is it possible for me to put a supplementary question without knowing whether an Answer was given, and without knowing whether the Minister is prepared to give the information to the House? Is it possible for the hon. Member for Kidderminster (Mr. Nabarro) to remember that whatever resemblance he bears to a well-known television personality his conduct in the House need not always follow that particular line.

§ Mr. Speaker
Order. I do not think this has anything to do with the Question.

§ Mr. Nabarro
On a point of order. Is it not strictly in accord with Parliamentary usage that when the Minister, having replied to 40 Parliamentary Questions with their supplementaries and the hurly-burly—

§ Mr. Speaker
Order. Mr. Hale.

§ Mr. Nabarro
May I finish, Mr. Speaker?

§ Mr. Speaker
It is the custom for applause to be delivered at the appropriate moment if hon. Members feel disposed to do so. I do not object to that, but I think we ought to get on with the Question.

§ Mr. Hale
Not having heard the answer to my Question, as a matter of 884 courtesy to you, Mr. Speaker, I put Question No. 42 without pressing for an Answer. Might I hear the Answer to Question No. 42 without further demonstration?