HC Deb 02 April 1969 vol 781 cc483-4
38. Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Lord President of the Council if he will seek to amend the Standing Orders of the House to ensure that at Question Time hon. Members shall declare any pecuniary interest in Questions asked.

Mr. Peart

I would expect this issue to be within the terms of reference of the proposed Select Committee to consider the rules and practices of the House in relation to the declaration of Members' interests, announced by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, on 26th March. As Mr. Speaker has pointed out, however, it seems undesirable that Question Time should be delayed by a series of individual declarations.

Mr. Hamilton

Would my right hon. Friend consider it desirable to extend Question Time by, say, a quarter of an hour so that this exercise might be followed, because an increasing number of Questions are asked by Members who have pecuniary interests in the Answers?

Mr. Peart

I do not think that it would be suitable to have an extra quarter of an hour for that purpose.

Mr. Hamilton

Owing to the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.