§ Mr. Dick Douglas (Dunfermline)On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I indicated to your office that I wished to raise a point of order on an indication in a written answer that the Ministry of Defence has given in respect of shore establishments, especially on apprentice training and artificer training.
As you will have noticed, Mr. Speaker, I had oral question No. 34 on the Order Paper today. I take the view that to make such a statement in a written answer, especially when, with great respect to the hon. Member for Gosport (Mr. Viggers), a planted question is on the Order Paper, the hon. Gentleman having an oral question tabled on the same date, is a gross discourtesy to the House. Other Members who wish to protect the interests of their constituents should have been able to put questions to Ministers of the Ministry of Defence in open and public debate. This is not open government, this is subterfuge.
§ Mr. SpeakerI allowed the hon. Gentleman to express his point of view. He will understand that strictly he has not raised a point of order on which I can rule.