European Affairs

Lord Haselhurst Excerpts

Thursday 3rd June 2010 Commons Chamber

[Several hon. Members]

rose—

[Mr Deputy Speaker (Sir Alan Haselhurst)]

Before I call the shadow Foreign Secretary, I say to the House that there has been some comings and goings on the numbers wishing to speak in the debate. I propose, therefore, to alter the nine-minute time limit to 10 minutes. I do not automatically expect every hon. Member to expand their speech by one minute. It is just to ease the pressures that might otherwise exist during the debate.

--- Later in debate ---

[David Miliband]

I am sorry that the hon. Gentleman was unable to listen properly to what his right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary said, but in this case what he said was actually true.

[Mr Deputy Speaker]

Order. I am sorry to interrupt the shadow Foreign Secretary, but let me just say to the hon. Member for Stone (Mr Cash) that he is setting an awfully bad example to hon. Members who are waiting to make their first speeches by conducting a sedentary commentary, which he knows the Chair strongly deplores.

[David Miliband]

I am sure that my hon. Friends will come to learn that the contributions—not sedentary, but standing—of the hon. Member for Stone (Mr Cash) are an important feature of these debates. The consistency of his remarks is at least one model for us all to follow, even if that cannot always be said of their content.

--- Later in debate ---

[Several hon. Members]

rose—

[Mr Deputy Speaker]

Order. I remind the House that the 10-minute limit on Back-Bench speeches will come into operation from now.