HC Deb 30 November 1970 vol 807 cc901-3
Mr. Michael Foot

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. May I ask whether you have received a request from the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry to answer Question No. 122 about the future of the steel industry? This morning I communicated with the right hon. Gentleman's Department and he sent me a most courteous reply explaining the reasons, as he felt, why he did not at that time wish to make a statement. As my Question to him is a new Question and since it is certainly most grievous to the steel industry that wilder and wilder rumours should be spread on what is to happen to it, and since this is a serious matter on which a statement should be made to the House of Commons, may I ask whether you have had a request from the right hon. Gentleman suggesting that he has reconsidered the letter he sent me earlier? [Interruption.]

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Gentleman's request is perfectly in order. I have had no such request from the Minister.

Mr. Buchan

On a point of order. I am seeking your guidance on a specific matter. This morning I sought to put down a Private Notice Question

Mr. Speaker

Order. The hon. Gentleman knows that he cannot raise in the House the question of the refusal of a Private Notice Question. This is something which is given to Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Buchan

Further to that point of order. I was not in any way questioning the refusal. On the contrary, I understand your difficulties, especially as the question of Ministerial responsibilities arises. What I hope for is some guidance as to how the matter can be proceeded with in the House. Perhaps, for example, the Leader of the House might ask his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence to make a statement to allay the grave disquiet felt in the West of Scotland because of this incident and perhaps let us know of the nature of the liaison in the event of such an amalgamation between our own defence forces—our civil forces—and the Polaris vessels. There is grave disquiet in the whole of the West of Scotland. The Leader of the House is present and I hope that he will prevail upon his right hon. Friend to make a statement.

Mr. Speaker

The Leader of the House will have heard what the hon. Gentleman said. I appreciate his difficulties but it is not a matter for me. If he comes to the Table he might be able to get some advice—and from his parliamentary colleagues, too—on how he can raise a matter which is rather difficult to raise.

Mr. Hugh D. Brown

Further to that point of order. Could I plead with you Mr. Speaker, to accept that this is a genuine case of seeking after information? There is public disquiet in Scotland on this matter and while the public outside can discuss the situation through the Press and television it does not reflect any credit on Parliament that we find ourselves unable to raise a matter of great public interest. It would be wrong for us to ask a Private Notice Question directed, presumably at the Secretary of State for Scotland, because the Argyllshire Police were involved in this incident. I hope you will appreciate that we are seeking guidance on a question of public concern about who must accept responsibility to this House and enable Members to ask legitimate questions.

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Gentleman has emphasised the point which his hon. Friend has made. On the general issue of Private Notice Questions, every hon. Gentleman who seeks to put a Private Notice Question considers it of vital importance. I have to turn down quite a number each week.