HC Deb 20 March 1969 vol 780 c745
Sir C. Osborne

On a point of order. May I ask your guidance Mr. Speaker? Last week, you very kindly allowed the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to answer a Question after the hour had passed. Would it be possible to follow that precedent and to allow the very distinguished right hon. Member for Easington (Mr. Shin-well)—

Mr. Shinwell

I do not want any help from the hon. Member.

Sir C. Osborne

Will you allow one of the oldest Members of this House to ask his Question, in which both he and the House are deeply interested?

Mr. Speaker

Order. This reaching across the Floor of the House by one old Parliamentarian to another is touching, but I have not had any request from the Prime Minister for permission to answer the Question.

Mr. Shinwell

Further to that point of order. I would not have said this but for your comment. The last person from whom I would accept help is the hon. Member for Louth (Sir C. Osborne).