Time for debate

LAST week I spoke in the Comprehensive Spending Review debate. In order to speak you must drop a note into the Speaker's office asking Mr Speaker if you might be able to 'catch his eye'.

The Speaker's office draws up a running order based on issues such as when you last spoke and whether you have expertise in the subject of debate. To hold your position in the order you must attend the opening speeches and stay in the Chamber until called (with the possibility of a very short break at the Speaker's discretion).

This can mean being in the Chamber for long periods (I once waited for over six hours). During this time, of course, there are many worthy points being made but most speeches tend to re-visit the same ground.

Once called you make your speech. You are then expected to remain until a few further speeches have been made and then you may leave. You are then required to go back to the Chamber to attend the 'Wind-ups' when both front benches make their closing remarks. This usually takes an additional 30 to 40 minutes.

So if you choose a busy debate to speak in, the bottom line is that you will probably be tied up in the Chamber for many hours, whilst your mailbag continues to grow, your email box to expand and the phone messages to accumulate.

Oh, and one other thing, as happened to me in the debate last week, when it is a popular topic and many wish to speak, be prepared to have your speaking time rationed. It started at six minutes per speaker for my debate and was then cut to five shortly before I got to my feet. A blink of an eye and it was over.