HC Deb 21 June 1961 vol 642 c1477
Mr. Steele

On a point of order. I should like to raise a question concerning the calling of Members to ask supplementary questions. I should like to know whether the qualification for catching your eye, Mr. Speaker, is the ability to ask long and complicated supplementary questions.

Mr. Speaker

I really want the help of the House over Questions. If hon. Members will regard Question Time as an opportunity for making speeches, more or less in an interrogatory form, we shall never get on. I do not want to be nagging all the time. That would be so tiresome to everybody, especially to my-self. I must ask the help of the House in this matter. I am sorry that I cannot call all the Members who want to ask supplementary questions. There is just not time to do it.

Mr. Strauss

In view of the general interest which has been aroused by the revelation that there is a complete colour bar at Paddington Station, I specially asked the Minister of Transport if he would request you to permit him to answer Questions Nos. 47 and 48 after Question Time. I should like to know whether you have received such a request from the Minister, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker

I have not received any such request.

Mr. Stonehouse

In view of the great public interest in this question, and also in view of the fact that the Minister of Transport will not be answering Oral Questions again before the Summer Recess, may I ask whether the Minister of Transport has indicated in any way that he desires to make a statement on this matter?

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member could not have heard me. My voice is, apparently, not powerful enough. I said that I had received no such request.