§ Mr. SpeakerBefore we take the Ballot for Notices of Motions for Monday, 5th February, perhaps I should remind the House that this is the first such Ballot to be taken under the new Sessional Order to which the House agreed on 12th December last.
Under the terms of that Order, the successful Members whose names are called out are not required to rise and give oral notice of the subject which they intend to raise—indeed, they need not even be present—nor are they expected to give any written indication to the Table today.
222 All that they need do is to hand in notice of the subjects which they wish to raise to the Table or Table Office on a sitting day not less than nine days before the Private Members' Motion day in question—that is, in this instance, at any time up to the rising of the House on Friday.
§ The following hon. Members were chosen in the Ballot:
- Mr. Tony Gardner.
- Mr. Gordon Oakes.
- Mr. John Biggs-Davison.
§ Mr. Biggs-Davison rose——
§ Mr. SpeakerThe hon. Gentleman did not hear the new method of procedure.
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonAre we not permitted to resort to the old procedure if we so desire, Mr. Speaker?
§ Mr. SpeakerI beg the hon. Gentleman's pardon; he is quite right. We have said that hon. Members need not give oral notice, but that does not mean that they are not allowed to do so if they wish.
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonI beg to give notice that on Monday, 5th February, I shall call attention to restrictions on the sale of arms, and move a Resolution.