Amendment of the Law

John Bercow Excerpts

Friday 23rd March 2012 Commons Chamber

[Several hon. Members]

rose—

[Mr Speaker]

Order. I must thank the Secretary of State for such a succinct speech. A lot of colleagues want to contribute, and it was helpful to the House.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Speaker]

Order. In response to the Minister, who inquired whether the use of the term “diddly squat” was parliamentary, I would say to the hon. Lady and the House that it is matter of taste rather than of order.

[John Woodcock]

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I shall take that as a lesson.

Faced with record and rising fuel prices, the Secretary of State set her face against all calls for relief, including the Opposition call for a temporary VAT cut.

--- Later in debate ---

[Several hon. Members]

rose—

[Mr Speaker]

Order. Colleagues will be conscious of the fact that there is a seven-minute limit on Back-Bench speeches, reflecting the level of interest. That limit applies with immediate effect.