Speaker’s Rulings — Questions for Oral Answer—Acceptability of Questions

I promised yesterday to reconsider the acceptability of questions to the Prime Minister relating to party matters. It does seem to me, reflecting on this, that the rules are in principle fairly clear, although their application in particular circumstances may give rise to difficulty.

The basic rule, in respect of questions to the Prime Minister and to other Ministers, is set out in Standing Order 369. Questions must relate to matters with which the Prime Minister is “officially connected”. The Prime Minister is not subject to the question process as a party leader any more than the Leader of the Opposition and the other party leaders are—see Speaker’s ruling 140/2. Where a question impinges on the Prime Minister’s official responsibilities as Prime Minister, it will not be out of order just because there is a party connection, but a question that does no more than request party information or seek a party opinion is not in order—see Speaker’s ruling 139/7.

These are well-established principles, and I will endeavour to apply them on a case by case basis.