§ Mr. SpeakerI have a short statement to make about the Appropriation (Northern Ireland) Order, which is to be debated on Thursday of next week.
On the last occasion when an Appropriation (Northern Ireland) Order was debated Members asked me for an earlier indication than on the day itself of what matters would be in order to be discussed. It might be helpful if I were to say now that since next Thursday's order contains a Vote on Account, all the matters for which Northern Ireland Departments are responsible will be in order. The principal excluded subjects are police and security. For the future, I suggest that Members who wish to obtain advice on the scope of these orders may care to consult the Clerk of Supply in the Public Bill Office.
§ Mr. D. N. Campbell-Savours (Workington)Is it in order at this stage, Mr. Speaker, to make a private statement?
§ Mr. SpeakerNo. A point of order.
§ Mr. Campbell-SavoursI take up the question which was asked by my hon. Friend the Member for Sedgefield (Mr. Blair). Does not privilege arise when a member of the public, by the threat of discipline, is prevented from taking industrial action to see his Member of Parliament?
§ Mr. SpeakerThe hon. Gentleman knows the rule about that very well. If it is his view that a matter of privilege is involved, he should write to me about it.