HC Deb 18 December 1975 vol 902 c1662
Mr. Speaker

I understand that the hon. Member for Worthing (Mr. Higgins) wishes to raise with me a matter which he contends is one of order.

Mr. Higgins

The House will recollect, Mr. Speaker, that yesterday the Chancellor of the Exchequer promised that today the Secretary of State for Trade would make a statement about help for exporters. There has been a nasty tendency lately for the Department of Trade to make important statements by way of Press statement or Written Answer rather than face questioning in the House. Have you received any request from the Secretary of State for Trade that he should make an announcement to the House on this matter?

Mr. Speaker

I find this extraordinary. There have been business questions today. The Leader of the House was subjected to questioning for quite a long time. The hon. Gentleman's point should have been raised during business questions. It is not a matter for me.