§ Mr. Altonasked the Lord Privy Seal how many times since June 1983 departmental Select Committees have not proceeded to business because a quorum was not present; how many times proceedings of departmental Select Committees have been suspended or adjourned because a quorum was not present; and if he will list the occasions by date and by committee.
§ Mr. BiffenSince June 1983, none of the main departmental Select Committees has been unable to proceed to business due to the lack of a quorum. The Treasury and Civil Service Sub-Committee could not proceed to business for this reason on 19 December 1984. Committee proceedings have been adjourned twice due to292W the lack of a quorum. The Scottish Affairs Committee was so adjourned on 13 February 1985, and the Employment Committee was so adjourned on 17 July 1985.