HC Deb 30 June 1982 vol 26 c902
Mr. David Stoddart (Swindon)

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I wish to refer to a supplementary answer given to me yesterday by the Under-Secretary of State for the Armed Forces. I asked: Is the hon. Gentleman … aware that there are disturbing rumours that in future RAF Kemble is to be used as a maintenance depot for cruise weapons and/or the storage of chemical weapons? Will he categorically deny these rumours? In answer to that part of my question the hon. Gentleman said: In answer to the second part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question, as the hon. Gentleman knows, the United States Air Force is examining the available facilities and, unfortunately, has not yet been able to divulge anything to me about its intentions."—[Official Report, 29 June 1982; Vol. 26, c. 741.] Later yesterday afternoon, in reply to a question from Harlech TV, the USAF public relations officer said that if the USAF used Kemble it would do so for general supplies: some of which might be used in the cruise system". It is incredible that a Minister of the Crown, in answer to a properly tabled question, was unable or unwilling to give information which the USAF was good enough to give to the media later the same day. I believe that that was either an attempt to mislead the House or a gross contempt of the House, bearing in mind—

Mr. Speaker

Order. I can already answer the hon. Gentleman. I have been patient in allowing him to make his point, but it is not a point of order for me. The answer that a Minister gives to a question is a matter for him. It is not my responsibility and it is not a point of order on which I can rule. I have been tolerant with the hon. Gentleman and have allowed him leeway to which he was not really entitled. If he has a valid point of order, I will listen to it.

Mr. Stoddart

May I complete my point of order—

Mr. Speaker

Order. If the hon. Gentleman has a genuine point of order, I shall be glad to hear it. It is my business to rule on a genuine point of order.

Mr. Stoddart

When a Minister has clearly misled the House, Mr. Speaker I believe it is your practice to give him the opportunity to make a personal statement. I should like your advice about how, if the Minister refuses to make a personal statement, I can ask a question that is in order which will enable—

Mr. Speaker

Order. I cannot say that the Minister has misled the House. It is the hon. Gentleman's opinion, but it might not be the Minister's. I am not involved in this.