Speaker’s Rulings — Questions for Oral Answer—Quotations

I gave a ruling yesterday on the use of quotations in questions and replies. This was a subject that I had promised the House last week that I would consider—see Hansard, 23 March, at page 2136. Following my ruling, a point of order was raised about why I had not addressed an issue that also arose last week, concerning the capacity in which Ministers can be questioned. I point out that that issue arose on 22 March. I was not asked then, nor did I promise, to give a considered ruling on that matter. Members should be careful in raising points of order that they accurately recall events in the House. Now that the matter has been raised I will give some consideration to it, and come back to the House with a ruling as soon as possible.