§ Mr. Nigel Spearing (Newham, South)On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. The motion on the fishery marketing scheme has been brought before the House under Standing Order No. 73B, whereby the Select Committee on European Legislation &c, has suggested that these matters be debated by the House. It has been referred to a Standing Committee on European Community documents. That Committee met on Tuesday morning last, 22 June, when there were transport difficulties amd fewer hon. Members attended the Committee than usual. However, none of those present required the Minister to explain the motion which he there moved and which is now before us. The result is that no one knows how the Government intend to improve the functioning of the fishery marketing regime, because the Minister made no speech.
I hope, Mr. Deputy Speaker, that you can confirm that this is in order. While it may be understandable in regard to domestic legislation, when Her Majesty's Government are making a proposal on a matter relating to legislation made outside the United Kingdom by another legislative body there is an obligation on the Minister to make some explanation to the House as a whole. Can you tell me whether the lack of such an explanation invalidates the motion before us, or whether it is strictly in order in a narrow sense?
§ Mr. Deputy Speaker (Mr. Bernard Weatherill)I thank the hon. Gentleman for having given me prior warning that he would raise a point of order on this. As the hon. Gentleman knows, the Standing Committee has reported and I have no jurisdiction over what goes on in Standing Committees. I have to confirm that the motion is in order. No doubt what he has said will have been noted by those who are responsible for these matters.
§ Motion made, and Question put forthwith pursuant to Standing Order No. 73B(5) (Standing Committees on European Documents).
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