HC Deb 29 January 1968 vol 757 cc878-9
Mr. Maclennan

On a point of order. It has been obvious to the House, Mr. Speaker, that at least a dozen hon. Members have been absent from their places during Question Time. In consequence of this, Ministers have been brought to the House unnecessarily. They have had to sit in their places for upwards of an hour while waiting for Questions to be asked. This is a most undesirable practice and I seek your guidance about how this situation might be rectified.

Mr. Speaker

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for raising that point of order, remembering that it is very rare for the Chair to be so grateful. However, it is not within the power of the Chair to insist that hon. Members be in their places to ask Questions.

Mr. John Wells

Further to the point of order. Are you aware, Mr. Speaker, that it is not infrequent for hon. Members who are seeking factual information to put a starred Question when they require an early Answer?

Mr. Speaker

I apologise to the hon. Member. Will he repeat his point of order?

Mr. John Wells

I was pointing out that an hon. Member may from time to time seek information—statistics and so on—and, in an effort to obtain an Answer on a particular day, he may put down a starred Question. Surely this is perfectly in order, if the hon. Member wishes to obtain a prompt Written Answer.

Mr. Speaker

I am not sure that the House would agree with the hon. Member. I would say that the purpose of an Oral Question, rather than a Written one, is to enable the hon. Member to put an oral supplementary. I suggest that that is its main purpose.

Sir S. McAdden

Further to the point of order. While I of course support your ruling, Mr. Speaker, all hon. Members will, I am sure, support the view that nothing should be done to deprive an hon. Member of his right to put down a Question, even if he is unfortunately prevented from being present to ask that Question. However, will you consider the apprehension which exists about the number of Questions which are put down by, and the non-appearance of, the hon. Member for West Ham, North (Mr. Arthur Lewis), which is causing some concern?

Mr. Speaker

If an hon. Member intends to make an. adverse comment about another hon. Member, it is usual for him to give that other hon. Member advance notice of the fact.

Mr. Kenneth Lewis

Further to the point of order. Can you explain, Mr. Speaker, why Questions Nos. 48 and 49 are down to the Prime Minister today and why the right hon. Gentleman is not here to answer them? I came to the House especially, it never having occurred to me that the Prime Minister normally answers Questions on a Monday. Has there been a change in the order of answering?

Mr. Speaker

There has been no change in the rules of order. I am interested to know why the hon. Gentleman came to the House today.