On a point of order, Presiding Officer. This morning, we have an hour and a half to debate three motions, which means that we have half an hour for each. This is supposed to be a debating chamber, but it is ludicrously impossible to have a meaningful debate on any of the motions. Are there any procedural rules to limit the number of motions that can be debated within a period of time? I know that that has been the subject of discussion at the Parliamentary Bureau, but I feel strongly that to impose such debates on the chamber is ridiculous. I seek your guidance on that.
Had any such rules existed, we would have applied them. The Parliament has approved this morning's business, so it would be impertinent to challenge the decision of Parliament. Although there are difficulties in the timing of this morning's business, I am afraid that we shall have to make the best of it. I urge those members who will speak in the debates to pay careful attention to the time limits as time is so constrained.
On a point of order, Presiding Officer. Perhaps this is more a point of information—
We shall see.
How do you intend to manage the debates? Will you ensure that each debate lasts for half an hour, as is set out in the business bulletin, or do you intend to let the debates run over?
I will manage the debates to the best of my ability and will follow the time scales with due diligence. I will try to tell every member who is due to speak how many minutes they have. I will indicate when their time has expired, when I expect members to close promptly.
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