HC Deb 28 June 1982 vol 26 cc604-5
30. Mr. Winnick

asked the Lord President of the Council if he will move to appoint a Select Committee to consider extending time for Questions to the Prime Minister.

The Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Mr. John Biffen)

I have no such proposals to make to the House.

Mr. Winnick

In view of the many questions to the Prime Minister on the Order Paper, only the first four questioners are likely to have an opportunity to put their supplementary questions. As there is an obvious wish to question the Prime Minister on a whole host of topics, is there not a case for extending the time allocated by, perhaps, five minutes?

Mr. Biffen

The situation to which the hon. Gentleman refers derives from the great preference for the open question. If the time were extended by five minutes, that would not greatly alter the present characteristics of Question Time.

Mr. Stokes

Will my right hon. Friend continue to stand firm on any extension of Prime Minister's Question Time? It has been harmed by live broadcasting. In spite of the Prime Minister's marvellous answers to all questions, it is not typical of a day's work in the House. There is far more noise during Question Time than at other times.

Mr. Biffen

I agree with my hon. Friend.