§ Mr. DixonOn a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I do not know of any other way to approach the matter. Early in May I wrote to the Secretary of State for the Environment about a problem facing South Tyneside council. On 31 May I received a card in acknowledgment and have not heard anything since. Is it normal for hon. Members to be treated with utter and complete contempt by Ministers? What should an hon. Member do to obtain an answer? Does he have to take up the Mace and wave it at Ministers?
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. I advise the hon. Member for Jarrow (Mr. Dixon) to pursue the matter through the usual channels, but the fact that his point of order has been heard may have some effect.