MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS (NOTICE) (Hansard, 25 February 1970)

§ Sir Ian Orr-Ewing
On a point of order. I seek your protection, Mr. Speaker, and possibly a reference to the Select Committee on Procedure.
The notices of important Ministerial statements are being put up in the Members' Lobby later and later. Today, there was no notice up until nearly 2 o'clock 1212 of two very important statements, while the B.B.C. was broadcasting announcements of them. So that back benchers on both sides can have proper notice of important statements, could we not revert to the original practice of having them up by noon each day?

§ Mr. Speaker
I am advised that the practice is that they are put up at 2 o'clock. Whether they are received early or not, they are put up in the Lobby at that time. There is a reason for this. It may be quite late in the morning or early forenoon that a Minister decides to make a statement. Nothing unusual has happened today. As for "The World at One", I am not responsible for it.

§ The Lord President of the Council and the Leader of the House of Commons (Mr. Fred Peart)
I think that the hon. Member for Hendon, North (Sir Ian Orr-Ewing) has made a point of substance. I will consider it.

§ Mr. Speaker
I am grateful.