House debates

Thursday, 4 September 2008

Questions to the Speaker

Question Time

4:00 pm

Photo of Tony AbbottTony Abbott (Warringah, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Families, Community Services, Indigenous Affairs and the Voluntary Sector) Share this | | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, given that this is quite likely the lengthiest question time in the history of the Commonwealth parliament, could I ask what your preferred timetable is for the Procedure Committee to consider the Deputy Prime Minister’s demand that ministerial answers be limited to four minutes.

Photo of Harry JenkinsHarry Jenkins (Speaker) Share this | | Hansard source

That is not a question that is in my hands.

Photo of Joe HockeyJoe Hockey (North Sydney, Liberal Party, Manager of Opposition Business in the House) Share this | | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, a few days ago you noted that you had written to the Procedure Committee asking them to continue with their review of question time, particularly I would imagine with reference to the previous demands by the now Deputy Prime Minister to limit answers to four minutes. Have you received a response and can you inform the House of that response if you have received it?

Photo of Harry JenkinsHarry Jenkins (Speaker) Share this | | Hansard source

The member for North Sydney might liaise with members of the opposition that are on the committee.