Black Report (Hansard, 23 July 1984)

§ Mr. George Foulkes (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley)
On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. As you know, those of us who represent coastal constituencies have been anxious for some time about the publication of the Black report dealing with the inquiry into the possible link between discharges from Sellafield and the incidence of leukemia. I understand from the press that the report has been published today, but there is to be no statement by the Minister responsible.
This is a matter of public concern and, by a strange coincidence, the Minister for Health is present and could have made a statement. As today's business is not onerous and a statement could have been fitted in easily—there were four statements the other day—perhaps you will be able to help us, Mr. Speaker.
Parliament is about to go into recess. Many of us feel that the DHSS hopes to get the report out and forgotten about without parliamentary scrutiny. Can you help us in any way to get a statement, or some kind of discussion or debate on the issue, before Parliament goes into recess until 22 October?

§ Mr. Speaker
As the hon. Gentleman well knows, I am not responsible for statements in the House. In any case, I notice that the hon. Member for Copeland (Dr. Cunningham) has tabled a question for written answer on that very subject.

§ Mr. Foulkes
But that is my point.

§ Mr. Speaker
Order.

§ Mr. Foulkes
Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker.

§ Mr. Speaker
Nothing further can arise. It is not a matter for me, so there is no point in the hon. Gentleman pursuing it.