HC Deb 09 August 1972 vol 842 cc1727-8
Mr. Stallard

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I refer to Question No. 31. I feel aggrieved that you failed to call me to put a supplementary question when both the Question and the disgraceful reply given by the Minister affect thousands of people living in my constituency in the London Borough of Camden. It is a fact that the Housing Fnance Act—

Mr. Speaker

Order. The hon. Member cannot raise a point of order on the fact that I did not call him to ask a supplementary question. I am sorry that I did not call him. I had called him earlier. The hon. Member for Southall (Mr. Bidwell) rose several times and I wanted to call him. Then we had to get on. No point of order arises.

Mr. Stallard

Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker. That Question specifically applied to my constituency. I was on my feet, and I think I was entitled to be called, especially when the Minister made the most disgraceful attack on that London Borough—

Mr. Speaker

Order. I have said that I am sorry that I did not call the hon. Member, but he cannot raise a point of order about it now. The calling of Members is a matter within the discretion of the Chair. Nobody has an absolute right to be called to ask a supplementary question.

Mr. Whitehead

Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker. It is a fact that my hon. Friend the Member for St. Pancras North (Mr. Stallard) is an alderman of Camden, and, that being so, there was a direct reflection on him and on other members of the council in the Question asked by the hon. Member for Hampstead (Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg)—

Mr. Speaker

Order. We cannot go on discussing this matter. Nobody has a right to be called to ask a supplementary question. Whatever may have been said, there is no right to be called. It is a matter for the Chair. I am sorry I did not call the hon. Member, and I have said so.