§ Mr. Tony Marlow (Northampton, North)On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday we had an important and vital debate. It was so important that it was broadcast in its entirety. I noticed yesterday that before it commenced a Member of the Liberal party made an application under Standing Order No. 10. On previous occasions when we have had important and vital debates that were broadcast it is my recollection that precisely the same thing was done. It is not for me to say that the Liberal party is more interested in publicity than in politics. Others may say that. May I suggest, however, that in future, when debates are broadcast, Standing Order No. 10 applications, important though they may be, should come after the debate, particularly as in this case it was a Standing Order No. 10 debate?
§ Mr. SpeakerI have to take a decision about whether an application under Standing Order No. 10 is in order. It was in order to make that application. It would be the same for any hon. Member who happened to choose that day.
§ Mr. Dennis Skinner (Bolsover)May I help, Mr. Speaker?
§ Mr. SpeakerI do not think I need the hon. Gentleman's help.
§ Mr. SkinnerIt is helpful.
§ Mr. SpeakerIf it is helpful I will hear it.
§ Mr. SkinnerThe secret lay in the moving of Standing Order No. 10. When we had the debate on teachers last week, the Liberal party spokesman was so full of the emergency debated yesterday that he said "I support both sides and wish them well". He was trying to put right the mess that he had made only a few days before.
§ Mr. SpeakerNot all that helpful, but I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman.