§ The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Leader of the House of Commons (Mr. Norman St. John-Stevas)With permission, Mr. Speaker, I should like to make a short Business Statement.
At the end of the business already announced for Wednesday, the House will be asked to consider motions to approve the Iran (Trading Sanctions) Order and the Export of Goods (Control) (Iran Sanctions) Order.
§ Mr. SpearingWill the Leader of the House also consider changing the Committee stage of the Finance Bill so that we can discuss the two statements made today? If not, may we discuss them next week?
§ Mr. St. John-StevasSubject to Mr. Speaker's ruling, anything that has been said today may or may not be relevant to the discussions on the Finance Bill. Mr. Speaker will therefore rule on that.
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. I remind the House that questions must be confined to the Business Statement.
§ Mr. DalyellIs there a time limit on the debate on the Iran sanctions?
§ Mr. St. John-StevasThat is being discussed through the usual channels. I 1071 hope that the debate will begin and end at a reasonable hour.
§ Mr. SkinnerOn a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Are you stating categorically that when the Leader of the House makes a Business Statement about a change of business, questions must relate only to that matter? I had always been under the impression that after a Business Statement hon. Members could ask questions on any business during that week, although we tend not to do so.
§ Mr. SpeakerMy ruling is that when a narrow Business Statement is made, changing only one item of business in the week, business questions are confined to that matter. Every Thursday hon. Members have the opportunity to raise broader questions relating to business, which is in the interests of the House.