HL Deb 11 December 1973 vol 347 cc1034-5
LORD DAVIES OF LEEK

My Lords, If I am in order, may I ask the noble Lord the Leader of the House whether he is aware (as he may not be) that, through the operation of procedure, missed asking a supplementary question on Greece because the Question could not be asked? Will there be a Written Answer? And is there any rule that precludes this Question from being put down again?

THE LORD PRIVY SEAL (LORD WINDLESHAM)

My Lords, I am aware that two noble Lords unfortunately missed the first Questions to-day because Prayers had been said earlier in the day. The normal practice in these circumstances is either for the Minister to table the answer in Hansard as a Written Answer to a Question, or, if the noble Lord prefers it, for him to put the same Question down on another day for oral answer.

LORD SEGAL

My Lords, as a matter of procedure, can the noble Lord the Leader of the House say what is the objection to saying Prayers twice over?

LORD WINDLESHAM

My Lords, I think that once is enough.

THE LORD BISHOP OF LEICESTER

My Lords, I hope that noble Lords will appreciate the advantage of being in their places for Prayers.