The following question stood on the Order Paper in the name of Sir WILLIAM DAVISON:

28. To ask the Minister of Health what local authorities in Great Britain have adopted the model bye-laws of the Ministry for slaughter-houses; and whether the Ministry proposes to take steps to require the use of a humane killer for the slaughter of animals in the slaughter-houses of local authorities who have failed to adopt the Ministry's model bye-laws?

I apologise for not being in my place when this question was called the first time. May I have an answer now?

Ministers are not under any obligation to remain when Questions have once been called. The hon. Member can hardly expect the Minister to come back if he has himself missed his first chance.

As a matter of courtesy, surely the Minister should remain in the House till all the questions have been gone through.