§ [MADAM SPEAKER in the Chair]
2.35 pm§ Mr. Dennis Skinner (Bolsover)On a point of order, Madam Speaker. Will you confirm that on Thursdays, when there is business in the House the following week, it is usual for a statement to be made and for questions to be asked about that business? Is it correct that on this occasion there is to be neither a statement nor an opportunity for Back Benchers to call the Government to account through questions? Through your offices, can we establish who is responsible for the failure to have a business statement and questions? Are the Government, with their tiny majority, refusing, or have the usual channels made some other arrangements, which I do not find satisfactory? Will you confirm that business questions should be a matter for the entire House of Commons and not just the two Front Benches? Back Benchers in particular want to raise matters that are important to their constituencies and elsewhere and which concern the business for the following week.
§ Madam SpeakerThis is a bit of an unusual week, even for me. As the hon. Gentleman understands, this is a matter for the Government business managers, not for the Chair. It is outside the authority of the Chair.
§ Mr. SkinnerBut it is not usual?
§ Madam SpeakerOrder.