HC Deb 12 March 1968 vol 760 cc1175-6
Q1. Sir Knox Cunningham

asked the Prime Minister whether he will undertake to answer Parliamentary Questions for a further 15 minutes on each Tuesday when the House is sitting.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Wilson)

I would refer the hon. and learned Member to the Answer I gave to a similar Question by him on 10th November, 1966.—[Vol. 741, c. 253]

Sir Knox Cunningham

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that people are eager to hear what he has to say about the Lord President's first giant stride towards Socialism, particularly since he himself called devaluation, in Washington, "a lunatic self-destroying operation"?

The Prime Minister

I have answered a number of questions about my right hon. Friend's speech. The Question asks me if I will allocate more time to Questions. The hon. and learned Gentleman will be delighted to hear that, compared with the last year of my predecessor's efforts, I have answered 23 per cent. more Questions in the House. I hope that he will applaud this effort in national productivity.

Sir W. Bromley-Davenport

In order that we may get through more Questions and Answers would the right hon. Gentleman shorten his replies, instead of giving us the usual long drivelling answers?

The Prime Minister

I have given already the figures for the Questions that I have answered. I am sure that we would make more progress and get more representative Questions if the hon. and learned Member for Antrim, South (Sir Knox Cunningham) did not appear first on the Order Paper, and if the hon. and gallant Member for Knutsford (Sir W. Bromley-Davenport) were in that high position. I am sure that the intellectual content of both Questions and Answers could be raised.

Sir Knox Cunningham

On a point of order. I have only appeared 21 per cent. first on the Order Paper.

Mr. Speaker

That is not a point of order.