Mr. DugdaleOn a point of order. In this morning's Press it was reported that one of Her Majesty's ships had intercepted a Greek ship carrying arms to Cyprus. Thinking this to be a matter of some considerable importance—that arms should be carried by a foreign Power into one of Her Majesty's possessions—I thought that it should be brought to the notice of Parliament at the earliest possible opportunity, and I asked if I could put down a Private Notice Question. I was informed that it would be possible to put down a Question for a written or an oral reply next Wednesday. May I have a little elucidation of the matter, because I do not think that colonial Questions will be reached next Wednesday, and it seems to be a little late for a matter of such importance.
§ Mr. SpeakerThere may always be a difference of opinion about these matters of discretion. I did not think that the Question was urgent enough. I understand that these patrols are constantly at 426 work, and I did not think that I would be justified in allowing a Private Notice Question on this incident. I would only add that it is sometimes my duty to refuse Private Notice Questions, and that it is out of order, when permission to ask the Question has been refused, to try to raise the same question again as a point of order.