Mr KELVIN THOMSON (3:28 PM) —My second question is to ask whether you could advise the House of the length of the answer given by the Minister for Education, Science and Training to the question asked of him. We have in the House of Representatives Practice reference to the fact that a previous opposition took to calling quorums when the length of answers to questions exceeded five minutes. We had a situation today where question time was curtailed after only eight questions, so I am concerned about the length of ministerial answers, and I would ask if you could advise the House of the length of the answer given by the Minister for Education, Science and Training this afternoon.

The SPEAKER —Let me point out to the member for Wills that there were eight questions for each side, just to clarify the record. I do not have information at my fingertips about the length of answers, though I think the Clerk keeps a list of the times. The member for Wills may care to consult the Clerk. I would prefer to leave the matter there, because there is no standing order that governs the length of time taken for questions or answers. I would advise the member for Wills to consult the Clerk.