HC Deb 26 June 1979 vol 969 c287
Mr. Winnick

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. It is becoming increasingly difficult to reach the Prime Minister at Question Time. On the Order Paper today there were 35 questions to the right hon. Lady. A number of hon. Members have withdrawn their questions, for obvious reasons. If an important facility and right for Back-Bench Members to be able to question the Prime Minister of the day is not working, I should like to ask whether this matter can be looked at again. Either we should have alternative arrangements, or the right hon. Lady should devote more time to answering questions in the House.

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Gentleman, who was in a previous Parliament, will have noticed that there is a change in the type of question. We now Lave what I call the open question. The House insists on having that open question. The number of hon. Members who are called to question the Prime Minister is as great as ever.

Mr. Winnick

Further to that point of order—

Mr. Speaker

Order. There is no point in our discussing that matter now.

Mr. Skinner

On a point or order, Mr. Speaker. In the House last Friday the Minister of Agriculture made a statement, arising out of questions from both sides, that there would be a cut of 6p a pound in butter prices. We now read in the newspapers that this will not be the case. The Prime Minister has not been able to tell us that she will give a guarantee of a 6p cut in butter prices. Can you arrange, Mr. Speaker, for another statement to be made by the Minister of Agriculture to clear up this important matter?

Mr. Speaker

Order. The House knows that that is not my business.