§ Mr. MellishOn a point of order. During the hour of Question Time today it took 15 minutes to answer the 33 Questions to the Colonial Secretary. They were answered by the Minister of State for Commonwealth Relations. Most of the replies were very long indeed, some were very tedious and most of them unsatisfactory. I have noticed in the past, Mr. Speaker, that quite properly you have rebuked hon. Members on both sides of the House for asking very long supplementary questions. With great respect, has not the time come when Ministers should be told that Answers should be short, to the point, simple and straightforward?
§ Mr. SpeakerI am much in favour of rebuking others in respect of Questions and Answers. I suspect that there was some ineptitude of my own involved, but I rely on the House to try to help me. It is fair to remember that Ministers answering for other Ministers outside their Department—though I do not know—have conceivably to read considerably more. I should be glad of any help the House can give me by shortening Questions or Answers at all times.