HC Deb 29 October 1984 vol 65 c999
38. Mr. Kirkwood

asked the Lord Privy Seal how many hours the House has sat after midnight since his answer of 23 July, Official Report, column 467.

Mr. Biffen

The House has sat for a further 19 hours after midnight since my answer of 23 July.

Mr. Kirkwood

Will the Lord Privy Seal confirm that by the end of this Session the House will have sat for a total of 174 hours after midnight? Will he comment on that record? What initiatives does he propose to take through the Procedure Committee to see that we do better and have our business taken at a more sensible, efficient and pragmatic time of the day next Session?

Mr. Biffen

I can confirm the hon. Gentleman's calculations. I invite him to offer his discontent and remedies to the Procedure Committee. However, there is a formidable record of the House trying to devise one method or another to avoid the situation that he has outlined. So far, such efforts have been unsuccessful; but at least we are a long way from a sitting lasting 41½ hours, which took place in Gladstone's Parliament of 1887.

Mr. McWilliam

Would the Lord Privy Seal be as interested as I am in knowing during how many of those hours hon. Members of the alliance parties assisted us in getting through the business of the House on the Floor of the House and in Committees?

Mr. Biffen

I shall say no, and play safe.

Mr. Latham

If we sat after midnight tonight or tomorrow night, would that allow the Government time to tell the House what they are doing to relieve the Ethiopia disaster?

39. Mr. Biffen

I assure my hon. Friend that even if such comments are not made today or tomorrow, there will be an early opportunity to discuss this important topic.