QUESTIONS TO MINISTERS (Hansard, 10 December 1970)

§ Mr. Atkinson

On a point of order. I wished to raise a point of order concerning the Prime Minister, but was overtaken by these events. Therefore, I apologise for the delayed action, as it were.

Referring to my Question No. 10 to the Prime Minister, the right hon. Gentleman said that he would like to see the speech to which I was referring made by one of his Ministers making a major statement on policy on behalf of the Government. The right hon. Gentleman then said that my supplementary question had nothing to do with a reduction in the number of Ministers in that particular Department.

I was advised, before putting down that Question, that that was the only way that this matter could be raised because of 677 the Prime Minister's intervention. If the Prime Minister's remarks are allowed to stand, there is no conceivable way by which back benchers can question the motives or accuracy of statements made by Ministers on behalf of the Government if those statements are made outside the House.

I understand that it is the tradition and privilege of back benchers to put questions to the Prime Minister about major statements on policy made by Ministers. If the only way that we are allowed to do it is by putting down a Question not referring to the speech made by date, nor to the Minister, but only by asking for a reduction in the number of Ministers concerned, it is outrageous and an utter disgrace. If this House allows the Prime Minister to get away with this business of deferring Questions in this way, transferring them, not allowing them, and so on, it is a denial of democracy. Therefore, I should be obliged for a Ruling from you, Mr. Speaker, about the whole business of the Prime Minister answering questions.