HL Deb 30 November 1983 vol 445 c794WA
Earl St. Aldwyn

asked the Leader of the House:

If he will refer to the Procedure Committee the question of whether an hour should be fixed after which no Unstarred Question can be asked.

The Lord President of the Council (Viscount Whitelaw)

I appreciate my noble friend's concern that debates on Unstarred Questions have recently begun so late at night. Nevertheless, I am doubtful whether a rigid rule would be desirable. For that reason, I am reluctant to refer this suggestion to the Procedure Committee. If, however, my noble friend wishes to pursue the matter, he may wish to raise the matter with the committee himself