HC Deb 24 November 1977 vol 939 cc1753-4
Mr. Faulds

On another point of order, Mr. Speaker. Will you give consideration to the possibility of varying your now invariable practice of calling the same fellows at every Prime Minister's Question Time? We all know who they are. Will you also notice that others of us who stand, stand and stand and wait in this House also serve here?

Mr. Speaker

I understand the hon. Gentleman's feeling. I am not able to overlook the hon. Gentleman—

Mr. Faulds

You do very well, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker

But I expect to be treated with proper courtesy as long as I am in this Chair. [Interruption.] Order. I have not finished yet.

The hon. Gentleman may feel that they were the same Members who were called time and again, but I have tried to vary those who were called from day to day. If the House wishes to know the movings of my mind on this matter, when we have Prime Minister's Questions followed by business questions, those who have had a bite at the cherry have to wait a little if they are lucky enough to be called, but I try to ensure a fair hearing for everyone.

Mr. Faulds

Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker. I make this comment simply because of what I have experienced at what is now two consecutive Prime Minister's Question Times, when on those same occasions, Sir, I have noticed that your eye seems to alight with a certain frequency on some of our colleagues.

Mr. Speaker

That is the oldest feeling in the world in this place. If the hon. Gentleman looks around he will find that some of his hon. Friends and some hon. Members from the other side feel that they stand for weeks and are never called.