HC Deb 17 June 1982 vol 25 cc1084-6
Mr. Bob Cryer (Keighley)

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. You will have noticed during questions to the Chancellor of the Exchequer that four questions, Nos. 4, 15, 16 and 20, were couched in identical terms. As I recall, Mr. Speaker, you have deprecated that practice in questions other than to the Prime Minister, and have been critical of such identical questions to the Prime Minister. When the Chancellor of the Exchequer replied, he appeared, in a curious manner, to read ready-written replies to anticipated questions. I therefore ask you to investigate the possibility that the questions were planted so that the Chancellor could produce ready-written replies to bolster the otherwise rather barren replies that he normally gives.

Mr. Speaker

Order. Hon. Members who table questions take responsibility for them, and the Minister takes responsibility for the answers.

Mr. Harry Greenway (Ealing, North)

Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker

It was not a point of order.

Mr. Albert McQuarrie (Aberdeenshire, East)

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. During Prime Minister's Question Time the hon. Member for Ogmore (Mr. Powell) accused the Prime Minister of having blood on her hands. Do you not agree that that was a disgusting accusation?

Mr. Speaker

Order. Personal abuse adds nothing to anyone's argument. I let the matter go, as did the Prime Minister, and I think that we had better leave it there