It is proposed to take No. 3 (Votes 27, 28, 50 to 53, inclusive).
Order of Business.
Might I inquire whether it is, or has been or will be the procedure that on each parliamentary question tabled for reply by a Minister, a Deputy is entitled to ask at least one supplementary question arising out of the Minister's reply. In the event of the Chair refusing to accept a reasonable supplementary question, might I inquire how the attention of the Committee of Procedure and Privileges may be directed to that matter, in order that Deputies may not be prevented from asking a reasonable supplementary question?
Is not it time the Committee on Procedure and Privileges limited the number of questions that an individual Deputy could put down?
Why?
To fill the whole Order Paper with them is an abuse of the Order Paper—34 questions by one man.
Why should not he?
A question is put to the Chair and the Chair is not allowed to answer. The Chair is the sole authority as to the number of supplementary questions that may be put by a Deputy. The Deputy, if he has any grievance, can bring whatever grievance he has before the Committee on Procedure and Privileges.
May I ask the Chair, is it reasonable to refuse to accept one supplementary question?
I shall not discuss the matter. The Deputy has asked his question and has been answered.
I expect I can raise it with the Committee on Procedure and Privileges.
The Deputy can raise any matter of order with the Committee on Procedure and Privileges.