BUSINESS STATEMENTS (QUESTIONS) (Hansard, 25 March 1971)

HC Deb 25 March 1971 vol 814 cc890-1082 890

§ Mr. Lawson
On a different point of order. Last week, in business questions, we were greatly pressed for time because of the short debate which was to follow, and in my judgment, Mr. Speaker, you cut short business questions. May we take it that when time is not so pressing, as it is not today, there will not be any truncation of business questions, more especially as hon. Members on both sides were unable to ask questions?

§ Mr. Speaker
This is a matter about which I am very much in the hands of the House. I now try to keep a record of hon. Members who ask questions on the business statement. According to my list, the hon. Member for Motherwell (Mr. Lawson) has asked questions on three out of the four previous business statement days. Questions were asked for nearly 25 minutes today. I will try to play this hand from Thursday to Thursday in an effort to meet the wishes of the House, and I take note of the hon. Gentleman's point.

§ Mrs. Renée Short
Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker. In order to enable you to get your records straight before future business statements, will you be good enough to note that I have tried unsuccessfully to raise a matter on the last three business statements? Can I hope to catch your eye next Thursday?