HC Deb 04 June 1974 vol 874 c1184

Motion made and Question proposed, That this House do now adjourn.—[Mr. Coleman.]

Rev. Ian Paisley

A promise was made to me by the Secretary of State—

Mr. Speaker

Order. Is the hon. Gentleman rising on a point of order?

Rev. Ian Paisley

Yes. Is it in order for a promise to be made by the spokesman on Northern Ireland to a Member in regard to an important matter of a by-election? We were to hear the answer today from the Dispatch Box but we have not heard it. Why is that?

Mr. Merlyn Rees

Further to that point of order. The hon. Member for Antrim, North (Rev. Ian Paisley) spoke to me about a matter. I was in fact going to have a word with him outside now and tell him the answer, because I thought that that was the correct way of dealing with it.

Mr. Speaker

I do not think that it is a matter for the Chair.

Mr. Teddy Taylor (Glasgow, Cathcart)

Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker. Before the House adjourns until next Monday, may I ask whether it is aware that Scotland could be facing a desperately serious crisis because of the petroleum position there? In view of this, would it be in order for the Secretary of State for Scotland or the Secretary of State for Employment to make a statement?

Mr. Speaker

No, that is not a matter for the Chair.