§ Mr. DykesOn a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I apologise for not having given you notice, but this matter has arisen as a result of today's Question Time. I should be grateful for your guidance. Almost seriatim, about 12 hon. Members were not present to put their questions. Can you guide the House on this matter, as you read out each name? Will you confirm that normally the conventional courtesy is to let either you or your office know if an hon. Member cannot be present?
Most hon. Members who were absent were from the Opposition—
§ Mr. Russell KerrNot true.
§ Mr. DykesWill you also confirm, Mr. Speaker, that it is perfectly possible to withdraw a question at short notice?
§ Mr. SpeakerI think that a few hon. Members were caught out today because fewer hon. Members than usual were present and greater progress was made. There must be a good reason for their absence, but I do not know what it is. However, I know that I shall receive letters of apology, as I always do when an hon. Member is. not in his place to put his question.