§ Mr. SpeakerI have a brief statement to make to the House.
Yesterday I referred to my duty at the interruption of business at ten o'clock. I said:
…I thought, it being 15 seconds to ten o'clock, that it was right to put the Question." —[OFFICIAL REPORT, 20th April, 1970; Vol. 800, c. 166.]I now recognise that I was in error. I should have allowed those 15 seconds for debate before rising, as is my duty, at ten o'clock.I am sure that hon. Members will realise that it is often difficult to ascertain the precise time in moments when the House is crowded, and hon. Members are anxious to continue the debate. It will be Mr. Speaker's endeavour to observe the time more exactly in future.