§ Mr. Eric Lubbock (Orpington)On a point of order. Yesterday afternoon, at business question time, in response to pressure from all quarters of the House, the Leader of the House said that he would have consultations through the usual channels to see whether a debate on the situation in Nigeria could be held as soon as possible and that the business of the House might be arranged to enable it to take place next week.
851 I was not able to give you, Mr. Speaker, notice that I would raise this point of order, because I was not certain until just before coming into the Chamber that the Leader of the House had not given notice that he wished to make a business statement this morning. But if there is no notification to hon. Members of a change in business next week until Monday, great inconvenience will be caused. I ask you, Mr. Speaker, to assist the House, if possible, by calling on the Leader of the House to make a business statement to clarify the situation concerning an emergency debate.
§ Mr. SpeakerThe hon. Gentleman has an exaggerated idea of the powers of Mr. Speaker. He cannot call upon a Minister to do something that an hon. Member wants done, even if he wishes to do so himself. I understand that at business question time yesterday an undertaking was given that the usual channels would look into the matter. I have had no communication yet from the Leader of the House about when he wishes to convey to the House what the usual channels have decided.
§ Mr. Winnickrose—
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. We have a lot of business to do.
§ Mr. OrmeI appreciate that, Mr. Speaker, but as there is speculation in the Press this morning, and particularly in The Times, that a debate would be held possibly next week, could that either be confirmed or denied by the Leader of the House?
§ Mr. SpeakerI cannot confirm—indeed it is not the task of Ministers to confirm—speculation in the newspapers. I believe that newspapers do speculate from time to time.
§ Mr. Winnickrose—
§ Mr. SpeakerNot again.
§ The Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Mr. Fred Peart)I have no wish to delay the House, but for the convenience of hon. Members may I say that I did not give a specific promise yesterday about a debate next week. I said that we would have discussions. When it is possible to make a specific announcement, I will do 852 so. However, we have not decided on the matter yet.