§ Mr. Denis HowellOn a point of order. May I raise a point of order arising from the answer to Question No. 18 this afternoon?
You will recall, Mr. Speaker, that when the Minister was answering a question of mine about grant aid to sports teams going to South Africa, it was extremely difficult for the House to get a categorical assurance from the Minister that past policy would be continued. Indeed, most of us drew the conclusion that there had been a major change of policy and that the Government intended to make grants to British teams to take part in sport in conditions orb apartheid.
If so—[HON. MEMBERS: "This is not a point of order."] It is indeed a point of order. If it is true, as I believe it to be, that there is such a change of policy, it is my submission that there should have been a Ministerial statement in order that the House could judge the repercussions not only for Members of Parliament, but for British sport. Will you Mr. Speaker, protect the interests of hon. Members who are legitimately seeking to find out what Government policy is and who ought to have their rights in this matter protected?
§ Mr. SpeakerThat is not a point of order. I ask hon. and right hon. Gentlemen to work according to the rules of the House. If the House casts upon the Chair the responsibility of commenting on the content of answers and speeches, it may be that the Chair will accept that responsibility; but those are not the rules of the House. The content of a Minister's answer is a matter for the Minister and not for the Chair, and therefore no point of order can arise.