HC Deb 28 June 1978 vol 952 cc1394-5
Sir Bernard Braine

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. You will have observed that, despite your proper request for brevity, only 12 general Foreign and Commonwealth Questions were answered at Question Time. Is it not a serious matter that on subjects touching overseas interests, and, indeed, the integrity and honour of our country, Ministers should be protected in this way?

Has the Foreign Secretary asked you, Sir, for permission to answer Question No. 14 which referred to a statement made in this House on 24th May—a statement that was totally misleading, though I accept unwittingly so? In those circumstances, if you have not received such a request, may we at least have the agreement of the right hon. Gentleman that a statement will be made at the earliest opportunity?

Mr. Speaker

The House will be aware that I called far fewer supplementary questions today, yet we reached only Question No. 11 on the first item.

Mr. Faulds

Shame.

Mr. Speaker

The only person who shouts "Shame" is the one who was waiting to be called. I can understand his feelings. The truth is that the House has the remedy in its own hands. If answers or supplementary questions are too long, the House should indicate what it feels about the matter, as it used to. I would inform the hon. Member for Essex, South-East (Sir B. Braine) that I have received no request from the Foreign Office, and I am afraid that I cannot help him.

Sir B. Braine

Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker. What you say makes sense in regard to general questions. However, my specific request relates to a Question which touches on a statement made in this House by a Minister. I said that that happened unwittingly, because the person concerned is a man of great integrity, but it was a statement that was totally misleading. I shall not go beyond that now. In those circumstances, is it not proper, right and necessary to ask through you, Sir, for a statement to be made? This matter touches on the credibility of a Minister.

Mr. Speaker

The time for the hon. Gentleman to make that request is when we deal with business questions tomorrow. That will be a very good opportunity, if he catches my eye.

Mr. Powell

Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker. Is it not possible that there is a form of Parkinson's law in accordance with which supplementary questions expand to fill the time available?

Mr. Speaker

I always listen with great respect to the right hon. Gentleman. Something has happened in the respect that he suggests, and I have been blaming it on the fact that our proceedings are being broadcast. However, I do not think I can lay blame any more at that door. I believe that hon. Members have forgotten how to ask supplementary questions.

Mr. Faulds

rose

Mr. Speaker

I shall be pleased to hear the hon. Member for Warley, East (Mr. Faulds), who is a regular contributor.

Mr. Faulds

Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker. With due respect, would it not expedite Questions if you were to make a preferential choice of those who make brief and pithy supplementary questions, as I always do?

Mr. Speaker

I shall try to bear the hon. Gentleman in mind.