§ 36. Mr. Martenasked the Lord President of the Council if he will refer to the Select Committee on Procedure the proposal that new Members desiring to take their seats shall be introduced immediately following Questions.
§ Mr. PeartThe Committee's terms of reference already allow it to consider the hon. Gentleman's suggestion. He will recall the answer which I gave to him on this matter on 21st October, 1968.—[Vol. 770, c. 879.] I have not since been aware of any general desire in the House for this change.
§ Mr. MartenThere would not be a general desire if the matter had been referred to the Select Committee and we were awaiting the result! Is it not time that the House began to debate general fairly small points like this and the right of Privy Councillors to speak first in debates?
§ Mr. PeartA general debate on matters affecting the House is another matter, and I will consider it sympathetically. I cannot make any promise about a debate. I am pressed for time.