§ Mr. PavittOn a point of order, May I seek your guidance, Mr. Speaker, on eliminating unnecessary delays during Question Time? It may not have escaped your notice that the habit of being polite by thanking a Minister for his reply has been an increasing practice in the last few weeks. As a result, sometimes one, two or three Questions are not reached. Today, my very important Question on Wormwood Scrubs would have been reached but for this practice. Therefore, although I am not asking you to give a ruling, would you advise the House that the thanks 1131 may be taken as read and that we can proceed with the supplementary question without delay?
§ Mr. SpeakerI must say that I have not noticed much of the politeness to which the hon. Member refers. Nevertheless I still hope that hon. Members will consider conciseness and shortening their questions.