HC Deb 19 May 1966 vol 728 cc1571-2
Mr. Hector Hughes

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday I wrote asking your permission to put a Private Notice Question to the President of the Board of Trade concerning shipping matters and the seamen's strike, notice of which I also gave to the President of the Board of Trade. He was aware that I intended to put that Question today, but you have not called me to put the Question and, with respect, I would like to know why.

Mr. Speaker

I am not quite sure what point the hon. and learned Gentleman is on. He asked leave to put a Private Notice Question today. I refused him leave. That refusal of Mr. Speaker cannot be challenged at all. Is there some other point?

I hope that that is clear. The hon. and learned Gentleman seems to hesitate, and I want to help him.

Mr. Hughes

Mr. Speaker, I was not aware of your refusal. I received no refusal from you. May I suggest respectfully that it is the inherent right of an hon. Member of the House to put a Private Notice Question, with your permission, to a Minister of the Crown, particularly one relating to so urgent and important a matter as the shipping strike.

Mr. Speaker

Order. The hon. and learned Gentleman cannot mention the subject of the Private Notice Question. I understand now the point that he is on. If the hon. and learned Gentleman was not told that his Private Notice Question was disallowed, I want to apologise for my Department. He should have been informed. But the right of Mr. Speaker either to permit or not permit a Private Notice Question is a right which the House has given to Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Hughes

Mr. Speaker, having regard to what you have just said, may I, with the greatest respect, ask if you will allow me to put that Private Notice Question some day next week? I respectfully request that you allow me to put the Question.

Mr. Speaker

All that I can say to the hon. and learned Gentleman is that he can make application to put a Private Notice Question at any time, but no Speaker will promise, ahead of time, that he is prepared to allow an hon. Member to put a Private Notice Question. If the hon. and learned Gentleman puts one in, I will consider it.