Draft Parliamentary Constituencies (Wales) Order 1983 (Hansard, 16 February 1983)

§ Mr. Ray Powell (Ogmore)
On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Yesterday, I raised the subject of adequate time being allocated to discuss the draft Parliamentary Constituencies (Wales) Order 1983. I understand, Mr. Deputy Speaker, that under Standing Order No. 3(1) (b), in view of the importance of the subject of the motion, you could rule that the debate be extended. I ask you to give this matter serious consideration as only 90 minutes is allocated to this order, which has taken the commissioners three years to compile and which covers 36 constituencies in Wales. If the 30 hon. Members directly involved wanted to participate in the debate today, each would have only three minutes to debate an issue which directly affects all their constituencies. I beg you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, to consider whether the time allocated can be extended.

§ Mr. Robin Maxwell-Hyslop (Tiverton)
Further to that point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I am not aware of a precedent for any hon. Member asking the Chair to allocate more time under that Standing Order before it has becomes apparent that there are hon. Members who still wish to speak after the expiration of the time allocated.
Is it not entirely premature to ask the Chair to make such a disposition in advance of any evidence that the House will not have gone to bed from boredom because of a lack of hon. Members wanting to speak on the subject?

§ Mr. Powell
Further to that point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. For the constituency of Ogmore, I could use the one and a half hours myself.

§ Mr. Deputy Speaker
The hon. Member for Tiverton (Mr. Maxwell-Hyslop) has taken the words out of my mouth. It is too early to consider whether we shall operate that Standing Order until the debate has taken place. I assure the hon. Member for Ogmore (Mr. Powell) that I shall give consideration to it.

§ Mr. Bob Cryer (Keighley)
Further to that point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I understand you to say that if a number of speakers have not been called during the debate on the order, you will give serious consideration to extending the time in view of the importance and urgency of the matter under discussion. That might be helpful.

§ Mr. Deputy Speaker
The hon. Member is putting words into my mouth. I said that I would consider the matter when we entered upon the debate.