§ Mr. Dennis Skinner (Bolsover)On a different point of order Mr. Speaker. As you know, one of your awesome tasks is to oversee questions that are tabled by hon. Members. Sometimes we are in difficulty about the aspects on which we can table questions. The subject of taxation causes difficulty, because hon. Members can ask questions only about general taxation matters and not about individual aspects. I seek your guidance on the important principle that is at stake.
In recent days there has been much discussion about giving aid to Ethiopia. As a result, a group of young people got together and made an important record. That record is selling by the thousands and is making a tremendous amount of money to go towards aid for Ethiopia. I should like to table a question to ascertain the precise amount of value added tax that will accrue from the sale of that record and go into the Government's coffers. Many of us believe that the money the Government are taking from that charitable action should to to Ethiopia, instead of to the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
I wish to ask a question not about general VAT but about the precise amount of money that the Government are receiving through VAT from the sale of the record so that I can demand that the Government send to the Ethiopians pound for pound the money they have received. I want to find out about the money that those young people have made from producing a record, some of which goes to the Chancellor.
§ Mr. SpeakerIf the hon. Member tables that question, I shall look into it. Perhaps he will send me the record.
§ Mr. John Home Robertson (East Lothian)On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. At any point during the past hour or so, has it crossed your mind that there is great merit in the argument for establishing a Scottish assembly?
§ Mr. SpeakerThat frequently crosses my mind.