§ 31. Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Lord President of the Council what recent representations he has received concerning the time allocated for questions on overseas development. [4038]
§ Mr. NewtonI have received none recently. I hope that that is short enough for the hon. Gentleman.
§ Mr. FoulkesI have an interest to declare in the matter. Will the Leader of the House confirm that representations have been made through the usual channels? Is it not ridiculous that we had 10 minutes for questions to the Chairman of the Finance and Services Committee and only one question was asked and answered, but that we have only 15 minutes for Overseas Development 19 questions, with dozens of hon. Members queuing to ask questions and a Department of State involved? Will he consider the matter urgently?
§ Mr. NewtonThere are two or three points. This question is linked with a question further down the Order Paper which is unlikely to be reached and to which I am not unsympathetic. It was not so long ago that Overseas Development questions were extended from 10 to 15 minutes. On some subjects, related matters would be in 20 order at Foreign and Commonwealth Office questions, but I am not dismissing the hon. Gentleman's point out of hand. It is getting a bit late in this Parliament to make significant changes to the question rota.
§ Dame Elaine Kellett-BowmanOn a point of order, Madam Speaker.
§ Madam SpeakerI shall take it after the statement.