HC Deb 11 April 1972 vol 834 c1026
Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Today we got through 22 Oral Questions to the Secretary of State for Social Services, which is one of the lowest totals of Oral Questions in the period available before the Prime Minister's Questions that we have got through in many months. This was perhaps not more than half those put down on the first occasion on which Questions could be put down to the Secretary of State. Are we not getting to a lower and lower proportion of Oral Questions to the first Minister on the list being reached at Question Time? Does this not require urgent consideration, either by you, Mr. Speaker, or by the Committee which is looking into these matters?

Mr. Speaker

The remedy lies in the hands of the House. If hon. Members will ask shorter supplementary questions, we shall get through more Questions. My impression is not that of the hon. Member. I agree that we did not do very well today, but I think that recently we have been getting through comparatively more Questions.