HC Deb 08 December 1988 vol 143 cc419-34
Mr. Churchill

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. You will be aware that in previous Parliaments there have been inquiries into the planting of parliamentary questions. Have you noticed the coincidence that today four questions on the Order Paper are in identical terms? Might this be a coincidence that you would consider inquiring into, Mr. Speaker?

Mr. Dennis Skinner (Bolsover)

Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker

Order. [Interruption.] Further points of order will take up a great deal of time. I shall deal with the matter.

Mr. Skinner

When?

Mr. Speaker

I shall protect the hon. Gentleman.

I do not know about the planting of questions. Questions that are in the same terms often appear on the Order Paper, and that is in order. It is unusual for them to come so high on the Order Paper.

  1. NATIONAL FINANCE
      2. cc419-23
    1. Budget Tax Cuts 2,119 words
      2. cc423-5
    2. Mortgages 951 words
      3. cc425-6
    3. Privatisation 228 words
      4. cc426-7
    4. Contingency Fund 749 words
      5. cc427-8
    5. Charities (VAT) 458 words
      6. cc428-9
    6. Group of Seven 590 words
      7. cc429-30
    7. Company Profits 420 words
      8. cc430-1
    8. Confederation of British Industry 438 words
  2. PRIME MINISTER
      3. cc431-4
    1. Engagements 1,869 words