3.32 pm
On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. You will know of my concern about rail services from Bradford and therefore you will understand my disappointment that my question to the Secretary of State for Transport listed for 2 December came out of the ballot at No. 38.
You will understand how my disappointment turned to dismay, Mr. Speaker, when I found that the Conservative Member for York (Mr. Gregory) in the same selection of questions had questions Nos. 1 and 30. You will understand how my dismay turned to bewilderment when I found that the Conservative Member for Worthing (Mr. Higgins) in the same selection for questions had questions Nos. 44 and 55. It is not for me to speculate about the way in which those who busy themselves planting questions may have been working overtime on this occasion, or to seek your advice, Mr. Speaker, about whether in future we should all put in two questions in the hope of settling for the best of two. However, I seriously suggest on this occasion that it would be best if the selection for questions could be conducted again because there is clear evidence that some hon. Members may have taken advantage by submitting more than one question for this question period.I must make it plain to the House that only one question may be put to the same Minister, and evidently there has been a mistake. If it is of any assistance to the hon. Member, I propose to attend the shuffle this afternoon to see these matters for myself.
Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker. My hon. Friend the Member for Bradford, West (Mr. Madden) has made the important point that two questions were placed in the ballot by one hon. Member. Does that negate the ballot and should a further ballot now take place?
I shall look into that matter.
Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker. Is this not a case of the pot calling the kettle black? A Labour Member is balloted to come out later this week or next with Question No. 1 to the Prime Minister, and Question No. 40 or thereabouts, and the Table Office has decided that question No. 1 should stand.
I intend to attend the shuffle this afternoon and I shall look into these matters.
Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker. If hon. Members wish to table a question, should they not go into the Table Office and do so themselves?
When I first came to the House, I believe that that was always the rule.