§ Mr. SkeetOn a point of order. I thought that this morning we were to have a statement on the third London airport, but having refreshed my memory with HANSARD, I find that it is not being given but that a statement is to be made by way of answer to Written Question No. 181.
Those of us who were involved in the matter are in somewhat of a predicament, because I understand that the Press is to be informed about this at twelve o'clock today, whereas it is the normal custom that Written Answers are not published to Members, including my hon. Friend the Member for Woking (Mr. Onslow) who asked the Question, until after 4.30 p.m. The problem would not arise if this were not the last day before Christmas.
Would it be possible, Mr. Speaker, to have a copy of the Answer placed in the Library at the same time as it is revealed to the Press? That would overcome many of the difficulties that right hon. and hon. Members on both sides face.
Mr. SpeakerOrder. I listened to what the hon. Gentleman said, but all that Mr. Speaker knows is that no statement is being made this morning. I have no power to make a Minister make a statement or to make him vary the method by which he is conveying information.
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- ADJOURNMENT 12 words