RULES OF DEBATE (Compliance with Standing Orders)

Mr Deputy Speaker: I would like to draw the attention of the House to the rules of debate provided under Standing Orders. Standing Order No. 44 (1) provides, inter alia, that any Member desiring to speak:

'shall rise in his place and if called upon shall address his observations to the Chair. No Member shall speak unless called upon by the Speaker or Chairman.'

The Chair therefore cannot be held responsible if his eyes cannot be caught by hon. Members, if Members choose to mutter their questions or answers to each other while sitting down.