HC Deb 11 April 1978 vol 947 cc1180-1
Mr. Madden

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. You have often pointed out that we have discussed the difficulties in which Back-Bench Members are placed because of the limited nature of Questions put to the Prime Minister. In seeking to put the question that I put, I had two objectives: one, to draw attention to the—[Interruption.]

Mr. Speaker

Order.

Mr. Madden

—to draw attention to the courageous speech made by the hon. Member for Worthing (Mr. Higgins)—[Interruption.]

Mr. Speaker

Order. Let me hear the point of order.

Mr. Madden

—to draw attention to the courageous speech made by the hon. Member for Worthing against the Conservative Party's immigration proposals, and, secondly, to ask the Prime Minister—

Mr. Speaker

Order. It seems as though the hon. Gentleman is merely going to ask the question that he had suggested earlier. If there is a point of order on which he wants me to rule, I shall gladly try to do so, but he cannot ask his question now.

Mr. Madden

I am grateful for your tolerance, Mr. Speaker, which is most characteristic. I am trying to highlight the difficulty in which I and many other Back Benchers find ourselves. I was seeking to ask the Prime Minister whether he had yet received a proper apology from the right hon. Member for Penrith and The Border (Mr. Whitelaw) for the accusation that that right hon. Gentleman made against him.

Mr. Speaker

Order.