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<p>Questions for short debate, which remain the principal means by which backbenchers
are able to secure 1-1½ hour debates in the Chamber or Grand Committee, are, by design,
treated as questions rather than motions. As such there is no right of reply.* Standing
Order 32(2) is also clear in that members may only speak once to questions for short
debate, save, with the leave of the House, to clarify a point they have made in their
speech.</p><p>The speaking time limits for additional backbench contributors in the
twenty-five questions for short debate we have had so far in this session have ranged
from two to ten minutes. Any change to the present arrangements would of course be
a matter for the Procedure Committee. I can only note that revising the procedure
so that the member asking the question had a right of reply within the 1 or 1½ hour
time limit would reduce the time available to other members when debates are well-subscribed.</p><p><br>*Paragraph
6.32 of The Companion to the Standing Orders and Guide to the Proceedings of the House
of Lords.</p>
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