HC Deb 23 February 1970 vol 796 c817
Mr. Eadie

On a further point of order, Mr. Speaker. In Question No. 5, posed to the Minister, there was a vital item of principle involved which can affect the jobs of thousands of our miners. Hon. Members who are members of the Miners' Parliamentary Group in this House wanted to cross-examine the Minister, but we were not afforded that opportunity. May we seek your guidance, Mr. Speaker, as to how we can deal with this problem, which is very important to the representatives of all miners?

Mr. Speaker

I do not minimise the disappointment of any hon. Member who is not called to put a supplementary question. The only way in which I can help the hon. Gentleman is to say that he should put down a Question on the Order Paper. Then he is sure to get an answer.

Mr. Lubbock

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. It is, in a way, associated by the point raised by the hon. Member for Midlothian (Mr. Eadie). It will not have escaped your notice that there were no fewer than 92 Questions down for answer by the Minister of Technology today. Fewer than half have been reached. Is it not evident that inadequate time is allotted to Questions addressed to the Minister of Technology, and should not discussions take place through the usual channels for an increase in his time?

Mr. Speaker

I can imagine the same point of order and the same arguments put up for a number of Ministers. It is not a matter for the Chair.