HC Deb 13 January 1989 vol 144 c1162

Ordered, That Mr. Henry McLeish and Marjorie Mowlam be discharged from the Committee of Public Accounts and Mr. Jeff Rooker and Dr. John Reid be added to the Committee.—[Mr. David Hunt.]

Mr. Robert Rhodes James (Cambridge)

On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I do not wish to be misunderstood, but Fridays are private Members' days. In today's debate, which had great relevance, the two Front Bench spokesmen spoke for one hour and six minutes. As a result, many hon. Members were not able to be called or had to curtail their remarks. I register the fact that Back Benchers surely have their rights.

Mr. Deputy Speaker

All those hon. Members who sought to catch the eye of the occupant of the Chair were successful in taking part in the debate. I do not know whether their remarks were curtailed. I hope that Front Bench spokesmen on both sides of the House, particularly Ministers, will have regard to what has been said. The hon. Gentleman reflects a complaint that has been made privately or openly on more than one occasion.