HC Deb 23 May 1977 vol 932 cc1016-7
Mr. Torney

On another point of order, Mr. Speaker. Will you please advise me how I can secure a debate on an issue affecting sovereignty and a decision challenged by the EEC? The EEC has ordered our Ministry of Agriculture to withdraw the pig subsidy to British farmers, a Government subsidy. Can you advise me how this important decision, which threatens the pig and bacon industry, may be debated in the House before the recess?

Mr. Lee

Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker. Could you also rule whether, as a consequence of the decision by the European Court, the Government, and possibly parliament, are in contempt of the court? Will you issue a directive to the Serjeant at Arms to bar the way of the tipstaff if he should come to this House to arrest the Minister or any other person seeking to carry out the functions of the Government in defiance of the Community's order? Will you take that course so that the House may know the position, and so that we know whether you may be in the same peril as was your predecessor, Mr. Speaker Lenthall, many years ago?

Mr. Skinnerrose—

Mr. Speaker

Is this on the same point of order?

Mr. Skinner

I was wondering, Mr. Speaker, whether you could offer some advice to many of my hon. Friends—

Mr. Speaker

Is the hon. Gentleman seeking to raise a point of order?

Mr. Skinner

I shall do so eventually.

Mr. Speaker

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will come to the point.

Mr. Skinner

The point relates to the fact that hon. Members will be able to raise the important matters to which reference has been made if they care to stay for the debate later in the week on the motion to adjourn for the Whitsun Recess. They can then raise to their heart's content all the subjects they like.

Mr. Speaker

Not for the first time, the hon. Gentleman has given us some advice.

Hon. Members who raised matters earlier will appreciate that I allowed them to make their points, but there is nothing I can do about the arrangement of business.