HC Deb 29 January 1981 vol 997 cc1088-90
Mr. Speaker

Order. I have to notify the House, in accordance with the Royal Assent Act 1967—

Mr. Dick Douglas (Dunfermline)

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Harry Ewing

rose—

Mr. Speaker

Order. Nothing can interrupt me when I am reading the Acts that have received the Royal Assent. I will take the point of order afterwards.

I have to notify the House, in accordance with the Royal Assent Act 1967, the the Queen has signified Her Royal Assent to the following Acts:

  1. 1. Social Security (Contibutions) Act 1981
  2. 2. Bearsden and Milngavie District Council Order Confirmation Act 1981
  3. 3. Churches and Universities (Scotland) Widows' and Orphans' Fund (Amendment) Order Confirmation Act 1981
  4. 4. Cumnock and Doon Valley District Council Order Confirmation Act 1981
  5. 5. Dunfermline District Council Order Confirmation Act 1981
  6. 6. Peterhead Harbours Order Confirmation Act 1981

Mr. Ewing

Further to the point of order that I raised earlier, Mr. Speaker, I had hoped that the Minister would at least show the humility that befits a Minister from time to time and withdraw his remarks. However light-hearted these remarks may seem when they are made by word of mouth, when they are read in the Official Report they do not appear by any means to be light-hearted. Surely the Minister must, in honesty, withdraw his remark. If he does not, he is a disgrace to the House.

Several Hon. Members

rose—

Mr. Speaker

Order. There is no breach of order, and it is therefore no good hon. Members saying to me "On a point of order" when they want a statement from the Minister. Therefore I shall take no further points of order on that question.

Several Hon. Members

rose—

Mr. Michael Foot (Ebbw Vale)

On a point of order—

Mr. Speaker

Order. I am not taking points of order from anyone on the matter that I have already dealt with.

Mr. Foot

I heard what you said, Mr. Speaker, and I am sure that you are right that it is not a point of order. It is, however, surely a matter of good manners, even though we do not—

Mr. Speaker

Order. Even the Leader of the Opposition must obey the Chair. I must tell the House that this is not a point of order. It is a matter of disagreement between both sides.

Mr. Bob Cryer (Keighley)

It is disgraceful.

Mr. Douglas

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker—

Mr. Speaker

It is not a point of order. We come to the ballot for notices of motions for 16 February.

Mr. Cryer

You are not a dictator, you know. You are a Chairman.

    c1090
  1. BALLOT FOR NOTICES OF MOTIONS FOR MONDAY 16 FEBRUARY 339 words
  2. BILL PRESENTED
      3. c1090
    1. REDUNDANCY FUND 86 words