HC Deb 19 April 1993 vol 223 cc17-8
36. Mrs. Gorman

To ask the Lord President of the Council if he will make a statement about the operation of the system of handing in oral questions at the Table Office.

The Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Mr. Tony Newton)

Since the beginning of the 1990–91 Session, hon. Members may table, in person, a maximum of two questions to each Minister: one in their own name, and one for another hon. Member. Questions are handed in at the Table Office between 10 am and 5 pm a fortnight before the date on which they are to be answered.

Mrs. Gorman

I thank my right hon. Friend for that reply. I am aware, as he is, that the previous system was often abused by Members turning out multiple versions of their questions and handing them in through a variety of sources. Is my right hon. Friend aware, however, that Back Benchers are often away from the House in their constituencies, or on Select Committee on other business, perhaps at short notice, and find it extremely difficult to be in the House two weeks in advance to hand in their question? As an alternative to the present system. may I suggest that so long as Members write out their question by hand and sign it as the original copy, they should be allowed to post it if they have a legitimate reason for being unable to be in the House to hand it in as it is not always possible to find a colleague to do so in one's place?

Mr. Newton

As you, Madam Speaker, will be aware, alongside other changes made for the 1990–91 Session mentioned by my hon. Friend, the time available for handing in oral questions was, if I remember correctly, extended from 4 pm to 5 pm. I am prepared to consider any representations, and my hon. Friend might like to make suggestions to the Procedure Committee. If it could be convincingly shown that sufficient difficulties were being caused to justify changes, that might be considered. We must bear in mind the need to ensure that those responsible for preparing the Order Paper and determining the order of questions also have adequate time to do their work.