HC Deb 21 February 1984 vol 54 cc695-6
Q7. Mr. John Townend

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 21 February.

The Prime Minister

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply that I gave some moments ago.

Mr. Townend

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there will be disappointment at the Home Secretary's statement that no action will be taken to remove the Greenham common women, although they are causing a gross nuisance in that area? Is she further aware that great resentment is felt by taxpayers, in that they are subsidising the women to the extent of £800 a week in social security payments?

The Prime Minister

I am very much aware of the distress caused locally by the continued presence of those people. I have stated previously that the Government are expecting to give some help towards the cost. I share my hon. Friend's anxiety and will, of course, consider the matter again.

Mr. Wrigglesworth

Will the Prime Minister accept that the events of the past few weeks have seriously damaged the interests of GCHQ? In view of the unprecedented steps that the civil service unions have been prepared to take to try to meet the Government's conditions, will the right hon. Lady be prepared to negotiate seriously with them to try to achieve a settlement to repair the damage?

The Prime Minister

I do not accept that serious damage has been done to GCHQ recently. That was done when there were the disruptions 1979 to 1981, and to our security. The essence of the Government's case is that intelligence and security have always been treated differently, and when GCHQ was avowed as an intelligence and security organisation, it was brought into line with the other treatment. As I said earlier, the majority of people at GCHQ have accepted the option before them.

Mr. Bottomley

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. It will be within your knowledge and that of most of the House that in the past the Leader of the Opposition has normally risen at Question Time after a Member from the Government Benches. Will it be possible for the Leader of the Opposition to consider reverting to this rather than coming in after a Labour Member?

Mr. Speaker

That is entirely a matter for the Leader of the Opposition.

Mr. Kinnock

Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker. I am sorry, but I did not hear what you said in response to the point of order.

Mr. Speaker

I said that this is entirely a matter for the Leader of the Opposition.

Mr. Kinnock

I should not want to put the House to any inconvenience, and when I attempt to rise I require and seek absolutely no privilege other than that accorded in your judgment and your consideration—[Interruption.]

Mr. Speaker

Order. The right hon. Gentleman is trying to make a point.

Mr. Kinnock

—your judgment and consideration as to when the Leader of the Opposition should rise. I can only hope that all hon. Members will seek to facilitate the business of the House in a similar way.

Mr. Speaker

I thank the right hon. Gentleman, and I entirely agree. I hope that everybody else will be as helpful.