HC Deb 09 November 1976 vol 919 cc212-3
Mr. Ridley

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. You will have noticed that during Question Time the Prime Minister appeared to be quoting liberally which, as I am sure you will agree, is not in order during Questions. Was it allowed because you assumed that the right hon. Gentleman had learned the document "The Right Approach" by heart?

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member gives me the opportunity to correct something which was said the other day when I dealt with quotations at Question Time. The long-standing custom—whoever sits on the Government Benches—has been that Ministers may quote at Question Time but that other hon. Members may not. That is the long-standing custom. It is up to the House to decide whether it wishes to change it.