§ Dr. David Owen (Plymouth, Devonport)On a point of order, Mr. Speaker, can you help the House? Presumably you have not had any information from the Government about whether they wish to make a statement on our relationship with and arms sales to Argentina. Is it possible to apply for an emergency debate on this issue under Standing Order No. 10? If not, how is it possible for the House to discuss a most important issue regarding internatonal policy when it must have been well known to the Government that the Americans were intending to make a statement yesterday? The Americans did not offer a statement yesterday, nor have they done so today. We are simply receiving news management from No. 10. Does not the House have a right to make its views clear on this extremely important issue? How can we have a debate?
§ Mr. SpeakerI have not had any intimation from the Government that they wish to make a statement on this matter. The right hon. Gentleman has been here many years and will know that it is not possible to apply for a debate under Standing Order No. 10 on a Friday. There are other parliamentary ways in which to deal with this matter. No doubt the right hon. Gentleman will do so next week.