David Heath (Somerton & Frome, Liberal Democrat)

On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. As you know, we have a very busy afternoon. We have just had two statements. In the first, the exchanges between the Front Benchers took more than half an hour. That is perhaps excusable and understandable on a complex area of policy. In the second statement, the exchanges between the Conservative Front-Bench spokesman and the Minister alone took 27 minutes, and I have to say that it was mostly the Minister to whom we were listening, until you helpfully intervened. Is there any way of reminding Ministers that a leisurely approach is not always appreciated when a statement is being made to the House?

Alan Haselhurst (Deputy Speaker)

Some spokesmen from the Front Benches have a learned approach to matters, which may take a little longer. The Chair is conscious of time, and Mr. Speaker has underlined to Ministers on numerous occasions that there is an informal tariff—it applies equally to Opposition Front Bench spokesmen. Today, one in three managed to conform. It is important that we ensure the maximum time for Back Benchers, especially on a crowded day like this. I will not take up any more time, therefore, in repeating the obvious.