HC Deb 01 February 1978 vol 943 c490
Mr. Dalyell

On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker.

Mr. Deputy Speaker (Mr. Oscar Murton)

Is the hon. Gentleman referring to a matter in the House or in Committee?

Mr. Dalyell

In the House.

Mr. Deputy Speaker

Very well.

Mr. Dalyell

I wish to make no great play of the matter, but it is fair to point out that in the last three days of consideration of the Scotland Bill we have lost 80 minutes, 65 minutes and today 90 minutes of guillotine time. Perhaps this is a matter which at its leisure the Procedure Committee may wish to examine.

Mr. Stokes

Further to that point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I agree with the hon. Gentleman that because of two long Government statements a total of one-and-a-half hours of debating time has been lost on the Scotland Bill. I hope that this matter will he drawn to the attention of the Leader of the House, who was responsible for the guillotine motion. I regard this as a great abuse of parliamentary privilege and as a matter that detracts from the rights of Back Benchers in all parts of the House.

Mr. Deputy Speaker

It is not a matter for the Chair. The Chair operates according to the business motion.