HC Deb 05 July 1960 vol 626 cc230-1
Mr. Lipton

On point of order, Mr. Speaker. Am I to understand that the Minister of Housing and Local Government has not sought your permission to answer Oral Questions about land speculation—

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Gentleman cannot raise that now, because we have passed on. We have passed the Motion relating to public business.

Mr. Lipton

I would like to make a further submission, Sir. Assuming that that is so-and I have no doubt that it is the case-may I ask for your guidance on this point?

The Minister of Housing and Local Government has thought fit to make a statement to the Press, which appears in today's Daily Mail, on this very issue. The point I put to you, Mr. Speaker, is that there is a growing practice on the part of Ministers of Her Majesty's Government to make statements to the Press on important matters before making them to this House. What steps can we take to ensure that on important questions such as land speculation Ministers make statements to this House in the first place and not to the Press?

Mr. Speaker

If the hon. Gentleman feels that his experience in the House is insufficient to assist him, I will try to give him guidance privately. In my public office it is not my duty to seek to give guidance, but to rule in accordance with the rules of order.