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February 3, 1969
''According to the Standing Orders, a question put during the daily Oral Questions may be answered either by an oral answer, by an order for return or by a ministerial statement on motions." The...
The Speaker ruled that tabling a document is not a valid new procedure for answering an Oral Question, but a minister may table a document under the separate rule for government papers.
January 27, 1969
The Standing Orders require a 24-hour written notice be given; therefore, it should be open to Members to file their notices for motions, bills or papers and written questions, just as it should...
The Speaker rules that a suspension of a sitting is not an adjournment, and therefore the 24-hour notice period for filing business continues to run.
April 28, 1966
The Speaker cannot compel the Commissions to answer the questions raised in the House regarding the conduct of their responsibilities. "A Minister may decline to answer a question without stating...
The Speaker affirms that Ministers cannot be compelled to answer questions in the House and suggests alternative procedures like a motion for the production of papers.
Date Unknown
The Speaker: I am quite familiar with the argument the hon. Member is making. I recall making a similar one myself at one time or another. I am very sympathetic to the plight he describes, but...
The Speaker ruled that the government's failure to answer written questions in a timely manner is not a valid question of privilege because the Chair lacks the power to compel an answer.