Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Hansard source

No, members on my right, if this continued, potentially the Leader of the House could move every time the Leader of the Opposition asked a question that he be no further heard. Question time is designed for openness and accountability. It's a central feature of the day, where ministers are questioned. I'm now going to refer members to standing order 78, which does say:

Should any of these questions be negatived—

which they have today—

no similar proposal shall be received if the Speaker is of the opinion that it is an abuse of the orders or forms of the House, or is moved for the purpose of obstructing business.

So I am ruling now that I will not be accepting any further motions this week. The Deputy Prime Minister can resume his answer.

See this speech in context