§ 34. Mr. Beithasked the Lord Privy Seal whether it is his policy to provide time for debate on the Floor of the House on all prayers against statutory instruments for which such a debate is actively sought by hon. Members.
§ Mr. BiffenI seek to meet the wishes of hon. Members whenever possible, but it would not be practicable to find time to debate every prayer on the Floor of the House without major repercussions on other business.
§ Mr. BeithWhy is that so, given that if a prayer is taken in Committee upstairs, the House has no right to vote on it, even when the Government suffered an adverse vote in the Committee?
§ Mr. BiffenI can remember that occurring once since I have been Leader of the House. However, the hon. Member makes a fair point that could be considered.