§ Mr. CroslandOn a point of order. Yesterday the hon. Member for Cornwall, North (Mr. Pardoe) sought leave to 464 adjourn the House under Standing Order No. 9 to enable a debate to take place on the topic of the threat to the Cornwall and Devon coast. You rejected that application, Mr. Speaker, as of course you are fully entitled to do.
However, the House as a whole expected—in saying this I have no wish to embarrass the Government or inhibit the efforts that are now being made—that at some point a statement on this critical matter would be made.
Apparently a junior Minister gave a Press conference yesterday on the subject, and a number of Ministerial statements have been made to the Press. If we are to judge from newspaper reports, the situation is, if anything, growing more complicated daily.
May I, through you, Mr. Speaker, ask, as this is probably the worst disaster or threat of one since the "Torrey Canyon". when the House might expect a statement from the Government?
§ The Secretary of State for the Environment (Mr. Peter Walker)Further to that point of order. My hon. Friend the Under-Secretary yesterday met all hon. Members who represent Cornwall constituencies, from all parties, and obviously answered any questions they wished to put to him. My hon. Friend will tomorrow be visiting the various locations in Cornwall which are affected. I shall be making a statement after his visit.