HC Deb 12 July 1973 vol 859 c1779
Mrs. Castle

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker

Does it deal with Questions'?

Mrs. Castle

Yes, Mr. Speaker. It arises out of my Question No. Q12 to the Prime Minister.

I am well aware that you are powerless to prevent the Prime Minister from transferring Questions even when they relate to his direct responsibility for co-ordinating the work of Government Departments. However, may I ask you, Mr. Speaker, whether you can protect back-bench Members to the extent of ensuring that the Prime Minister does not delay informing the Member concerned that the Question has been transferred until the day after the Minister to whom it has been transferred was top for Questions, as was the case with my Question to the Prime Minister, which asked him to ensure that North-East Lancashire did not suffer as a result of the Hardman Report?

Mr. Speaker

As the right hon. Lady pointed out, that is not a matter for the Chair, but I have no doubt that her point will have been noted.