HC Deb 20 February 1978 vol 944 cc1022-3

Motion made, and Question proposed, That Mr. Robert Mellish and Mr. Spencer Le Marchant have leave of absence to present on behalf of this House a clock for the Clerk's table to the National Parliament of Papua New Guinea.

Mr. Speaker

The Question is—

4.5 p.m.

The Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Mr. Michael Foot)

I beg to move That Mr. Robert Mellish and Mr. Spencer Le Marchant have leave of absence to present on behalf of this House a clock for the Clerk's table to the National Parliament of Papua New Guinea.

Mr. Speaker

If the House will forgive me, I think that it would be courtesy if the House allowed me to step back. When we are going abroad, it is customary first to have a statement in the House.

Mr. Foot

I apologise to you, Mr. Speaker, and the House, if I did not rise at the right moment. I apologise if any inconvenience was caused on that account.

The House may recall that on 15th December 1977 it approved the presentation of an independence gift to Papua New Guinea. The motion today, if approved, gives leave of absence to a small delegation to present the gift on our behalf. The House may wish to know that the composition of the delegation has been arranged with you, Mr. Speaker, and that it will be accompanied by Mr. Lankester, a Clerk of the House.

Mr. Michael McNair-Wilson (Newbury)

I ask the Lord President if he has considered why we are sending a Japanese-made clock to Papua New Guinea and whether it is not still possible to send a clock made in this country by British craftsmen.

Mr. Foot

I have considered the matter since it was previously raised. I discovered that the tale that it was a Japanese clock was completely false. It is a British clock. I am sure that the whole House be glad to hear that.

Question put and agreed to

Mr. Speaker

The Clerk will proceed to read the Orders of the Day.

Mr. Freud

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I tried to catch your eye at an earlier stage. Would it be in order, Mr. Speaker, for me to make a comment on the clock?

Mr. Speaker

Order. The hon. Member for Isle of Ely (Mr. Freud) was not on his feet.

Mr. Freud

rose—

Mr. Speaker

I am not short-sighted. The hon. Gentleman was not on his feet. It would become highly irregular if we went back for a second time. We were becoming irregular when we went back on the first occasion.

Mr. Freud

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Surely it is as reasonable, Mr. Speaker, to give permission to a Back Bencher when he seeks it as it is to give permission to the Lord President.

Mr. Speaker

Order. The hon. Gentleman is seeking to argue with me.

The Clerk will now proceed to read the Orders of the Day.