HC Deb 29 January 1962 vol 652 cc717-8
Mrs. Castle

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Are we really expected to proceed now to discuss the subject of industrial relations today without having had from the Government their promised statement on their attitude towards take-over bids in general and the I.C.I.Courtaulds merger in particular, which have a direct bearing on this subject?

Mr. Speaker

I appreciate the difficulties of some hon. Members, who seem to be unable to appreciate what is and what is not a point of order. I hope that we can put a stop to the practice of rising to points of order which are not such.

Mrs. Castle

Further to that point of order—

Mr. Speaker

It was not a point of order.

Mrs. Castle

On another point of order. May we ask you, as the guardian of the rights of the House, how the House can be helped to be given the proper material on which to debate the subject on the Order Paper for today? With all respect, Mr. Speaker, I raised this matter at business time on Thursday and pointed out to the Leader of the House the difficulty which we would be in.

Mr. Speaker

The House makes me its servant to rule on points of order, but not to discuss other things.

    c718
  1. BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE Ordered, 19 words