146 THE BRITISH APPROACH TO POLITICS

to show how far each Minister understands his Department;
it brings to light information which could not be obtained by
anyone but the officials of a Government Department; it clears
up doubtful points about the Government's policy. It is some-
times misused by Members who take a pride in the number of
Questions they ask, under the mistaken impression that their
constituents will regard this as proof of their zeal for public work.

Question Time ends at or before 3.45, and if there are any^
new Members, recently victorious at by-elections, they will
be introduced at this point. The new Member is escorted up
the floor of the House by two of his own party, while his supporters
cheer and the other side remain silent or make audible comments
abdut his political past or incidents in the by-election campaign.
The H<Juse is now ready to begin the work of legislation and
control of money which occupies two-thirds of its time. Every
Thursday, in answer to a question from the Leader of the
Opposition, the Prime Minister will state what business will be
before the House in the next week. At intervals, days are granted,
on the Opposition's request, for a debate, not on the provisions
of a Bill, but on the Government's policy in some important
matter; or it may be for a Vote of Censure on the Government,
when its whole record can be discussed.

So the business proceeds until 11 p.m., unless, as sometimes
happens, the House, at the request of the Government, has
"suspended the 11 o'clock rule".. At 11.30 p.m., however, the
day's work is bver, except when urgency of business or exception-
ally fierce opposition prolong the sitting until the following
morning or even afternoon.

On Fridays the House sits from n a,m. till 4 p.m., so that
the week-end is free. This arrangement, made first to give
Members leisure for private enjoyment, now gives the
conscientious M.P. a chance to visit his constituency, keep in
touch with his local party organisation, and address meetings; the
"week-end platform" has thus become a feature of political life.

Some Fridays are set apart for Private Members' Bills, and