The next paper is on the extension of time for members' business. Ken Hughes, the Parliamentary Bureau clerk, will speak to us if we require him to do so. He may not get too much glory on this occasion because the report is straightforward. If the Parliament is willing to provide the additional resources, I am sure that none of us will disagree with the proposal that the time for members' business be extended.
I do not disagree, but I want to point out that there may well be occasions on which 45 minutes for a members' business debate is not needed because there are not enough participants. Can we make it clear that 45 minutes is a maximum rather than a target time?
Yes.
It is right that there should be 45 minutes for members' business debates, but less time if the debate folds. Often members are not called to speak. Although the figures for unsuccessful attempts to speak are helpful, they conceal the true position in that often members who feel that they will not be chosen do not try. The number of frustrated would-be speakers is higher than the statistics suggest. I think that the proposal to extend the time for members' business is a good one.
As that is agreed, we will incorporate that recommendation in the forthcoming report on standing orders.
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