Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Hansard source

I'm going to hear from the Leader of the House. I'm unmoved on the subject. I'll hear from the Leader of the House, and then I'll address it again. Before I hear from the Leader of the House, I'm reminding members that my role and my responsibility is to allow members to participate in these debates, and question time is not just one of them but an important one. The conventions in this place matter. Before I even hear from the Leader of the House, I'm going to say it is very clear when the business of the day can be called on. It is very clear when it is called on, and I'm going to be as generous as I can. Saying that is a standalone power when it relates to standing order 46 is wrong. It's either, frankly, a misunderstanding of the standing orders—and, if that were the case, you'd be able to walk to the despatch box and give me an example of when it had been done. It's never been done, and I think, frankly, it's not anything the House should even be entertaining. I'm saying that strongly. I upheld the rights of all members the other day. I tell you what: I'm going to do it again today. The Leader of the House has the call.

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