§ Mr. David ShawTo ask the Lord President of the Council if there has been a statistical sampling test by operating computer software or otherwise to ensure that oral questions submitted by hon. Members are being selected on a proven random basis.
§ Mr. MacGregorThe "shuffle" to determine the order in which tabled oral questions appear on the Order Paper is conducted under arrangements approved by Mr. Speaker. I refer my hon. Friend to Mr. Speaker's statement of 15 November 1989,Official Report, column 356, on the occasion that the computerised shuffle was introduced. I understand that appropriate tests were run on the computer software before the system was introduced. Further information may be obtained from the Table Office.