§ 3.30 pm
§ Mr. Chris Smith (Islington, South and Finsbury)On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. In reply to a question I asked earlier, a Treasury Minister seemed to many hon. Members to give a response which prejudged a decision that the courts might be called upon to make about the nature of material held by Customs and Excise. Will the Minister read in the Official Report the text of what he said and perhaps seek your indulgence, Mr. Speaker, to correct it in the House tomorrow if he wishes to do so?
§ Mr. SpeakerI was also listening carefully, as I always do to matters that may be sub judice. I did not hear anything in the Minister's reply that was sub judice.
§ Mr. Alex Carlile (Montgomery)Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker. The hon. Member for Christchurch (Mr. Adley) used the word "obscene" to describe certain items seized by Customs and Excise from a book shop. Will you look at the Official Report, Mr. Speaker, and ask the hon. Gentleman to withdraw the word "obscene"?
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. I think that the word is frequently used—but not, I hope, too frequently. I shall look to ensure that all is well.
§ Mr. Dennis Skinner (Bolsover)I know that during Question Time and when calling people generally, Mr. Speaker, you attempt to ensure that the people who are called are many and varied and represent all sections of the House. On this important day, when there is crisis all around us, I wonder why you did not manage to catch the eye of the right hon. Member for Cambridgeshire, South-East (Mr. Pym), the leader of the faction that is trying to——
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. I thank the hon. Gentleman for the compliment which he seeks to pay me. I can call only those who rise.