asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the undertaking given on three occasions by the Government that an apportunity would be provided to this Parliament, if it so desired, to discuss electoral reform, he will give an opportunity for the consideration of the Motion standing on the Order Paper in the name of the hon. Member for the Skipton division and over 100 other Members?

Having regard to the state of public business, it is not possible to give time at present for the Motion standing in the name of my hon. Friend.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider this to be a question of paramount importance? As this Motion has been signed by Members in all parts of the House, ought not time to be given for its discussion, as it is an important matter affecting the constitution of the House of Commons?

What is of paramount importance varies according to the views of individuals.

When will the report be made available to the House? It was promised months ago?

There is some misunderstanding. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary is making a statement on our next Sitting Day about electoral machinery.

Does my right hon. Friend realise that we have had a promise made to us three times? Is that promise by the Government to be a mere scrap of paper?

No, Sir. As I have said, my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary is making a statement on our next Sitting Day about electoral machinery, and I think we had better await that and see what the position then is as far as a Debate is concerned.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that the promise did not refer to electoral machinery, but the wider question of electoral reform, and that the promise was made three times? Will not the Government give an opportunity of honouring that promise?

If a definite promise has been made, the hon. Gentleman can be sure it will be kept, but my recollection is that no definite undertaking was given to hold such a Debate within a certain period. We shall have to see what is the desire of the House.