Questions to Ministers (Hansard, 2 May 1991)

§ Mr. David Trimble (Upper Bann)
On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I should like to ask you about the listing of questions. The reason I mention this is that, at Northern Ireland questions this afternoon, for the second time. I unfortunately failed to get on to the Order Paper with the question I asked. I appreciate that other hon. Members are perfectly entitled to put down questions, but I think that, with regard to Northern Ireland, as indeed with Scottish and Welsh questions, particular factors are involved. Our constituents take an interest in these questions, and I can imagine the conclusion that may be drawn if an hon. Member does not appear to have asked a question. I recall that, a few months ago, a Scottish Member raised the issue, and I think that you said that the matter could be reconsidered. I wonder whether you could tell us what the position now is.

§ Mr. Speaker
If the hon. Gentleman will draw that to the attention of the Select Committee on Procedure, I am sure that it will wish to look at it. I believe that the general feeling is that the procedure is working reasonably well. I do take into account hon. Members who are in the Chamber and whose questions are not printed on the Order Paper. Indeed, I was able to call the hon. Member this afternoon. He should take the matter to the Select Committee on Procedure, however, because I am sure that his complaint will be kept under review.

§ Mr. Michael Latham (Rutland and Melton)
Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker. Will you confirm that the Table Office is most helpful in this matter? If an hon. Member's question is not printed because it is below the necessary number, all that he has to do is ask for it to be put down as a written question to be tabled in that form.

§ Mr. Speaker
That is a very helpful comment, and it is the truth.

§ Mr. Tony Banks (Newham, North-West)
Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker. In my capacity as a member of the Select Committee on Procedure, I think that the hon. Member for Upper Bann (Mr. Trimble) raises a very good point in respect of both Northern Ireland and Scottish questions. Therefore, I will, of course, refer to the Committee your very wise words on the matter.

§ Mr. Speaker
The hon. Member for Upper Bann has a very powerful ally.