HC Deb 02 March 1970 vol 797 c36
Mr. Faulds

On a point of order. Before the Foreign Secretary leaves the Chamber—I am sorry not to have given you notice of this, Mr. Speaker, but I think that you will appreciate the point of it as I proceed—may I say that I do not think that I am the only Member to find it rather unsatisfactory that on an important and fundamental issue like the question of Southern Rhodesia the Foreign Secretary should seek to smuggle in his statement on it in a whole series of general questions. Is it not possible for you to refuse permission to Ministers to do that in such cases?

Mr. Speaker

It is possible for a Minister to answer Questions in the way he wishes to, either during Question Time or afterwards. I do not that think that the Foreign Secretary has smuggled anything in.

The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Mr. Michael Stewart)

Further to that point of order. I must protest against the phrase "smuggle in". I should like to make it clear that if this is what the House wants I am quite prepared to make statements till I am blue in the face, but that would take up a good deal of time. and I was trying to provide information to the House on a number of subjects.

Hon. Members

Hear, hear.

Several Hon. Members rose

Mr. Speaker

Order. The point of order has been dealt with by the Chair and by the Foreign Secretary. Mr. Crossman.