§ Mr. AtkinsonOn a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Will you tell the House whether it is your intention to allow a Private Notice Question from myself about Cyprus, or whether you intend to allow a Minister from the Foreign Office to answer Question No. 35 which stands in my name on the Order Paper? I ask this mainly because of the situation which has developed in Cyprus and the responsibility of the British Government as cosignatory guarantors under the treaty. Would you not think it appropriate for some statement to be made on the situation there?
§ Mr. SpeakerI have received no such application concerning the Question on the Order Paper. I suggest that the hon. Member should pursue the matter with the Leader of the House during business questions tomorrow.
§ Mr. AtkinsonFurther to the point of order, Mr. Speaker. Surely it is for you to exert your own authority in granting a Private Notice Question. As I understand it, it is not within the province of the Leader of the House to grant permission for me to ask a Private Notice Question; it is for you to make such a decision.
§ Mr. SpeakerIndeed it is, and whether or not I allow a Private Notice Question is a matter which is never discussed on the Floor of the House. If the hon. Member will have a word with me privately I shall talk to him about it.