§ Mr. David Winnick (Walsall, North)On a point of order, Mr. Speaker.
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. We have a heavy day before us. Does the point of order have anything to do with the subject of Halvergate marshes?
§ Mr. WinnickMy point of order arises on a different subject, Mr. Speaker. You rightly told hon. Members that the position of the Leader of the Opposition during Prime Minister's Question Time is certainly not a matter for you. We know that over many years the Leader of the Opposition has rightly had the opportunity of questioning the Prime Minister. That should occur. Is it not important that hon. Members have the facilities in the Chamber to ask the Chief Executive, the head of the Government, questions relating to Government responsibilities? Today's Order Paper shows that a large number of hon. Members have tabled questions to the Prime Minister. I do not want to declare an interest, but I am third on the list.
Is it not the case, Mr. Speaker, that 15 minutes on Tuesday and 15 minutes on Thursday are totally inadequate, bearing in mind the large number of right hon. and hon. Members who wanted the right—we should have this right—to question the Prime Minister orally today? I know that you are in no position to extend Question Time, but would it not be appropriate for this matter to be dealt with by the Procedure Committee to ascertain how much time should be devoted to occasions such as Prime Minister's Question Time?
§ Mr. SpeakerI am sorry that we did not get beyond question No. 2 today. I have to balance both sides of the 154 House. I shall bear the hon. Member's point in mind for some future occasion. The proposal made by the hon. Member is a matter not for me but for the usual channels.