HC Deb 31 July 1984 vol 65 c227
Mr. Prescott

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. This is the first time that I have raised a point of order in the House, but, in the circumstances, I feel that I have no alternative but to do so. You will recall, Mr. Speaker, that during the recent debate on civil aviation and during questions on aviation policy, particularly on the Civil Aviation Authority report's recommendations on route transfers, Members on both sides of the House demanded a statement from the Government, fearful that the Government intended to announce and implement their policy during the recess without any reference to Parliament. This is a matter which will affect thousands of jobs and change the character of British airlines and airports for the next decade.

The Government's view on the provision of a statement has been that they wished to make a statement before the recess, if possible. I quote from Hansard 30 July, column 4. During Question Time, the Secretary of State said: I am aware of the uncertainty that the report has caused. I hope to make a decision and announce it as soon as possible, though that may not be while the"—

Mr. Speaker

Order. In fairness, I allowed the hon. Gentleman to raise a point of order, but it must be a point of order and not a prepared statement.

Mr. Prescott

My point of order is that the statement made in the House of Lords by a Minister at 10 o'clock last night differed materially from that made earlier in this Chamber. The point is whether elected Members of this House were misinformed about the Government's intention, considering the statement made in another place on the same subject. I quoted the Secretary of State when he said that it was possible that a statement might be made. I should like to quote the Minister in another place.

Hon. Members

No.

Mr. Speaker

Order. I do not think that a point of order can arise on this matter.

Mr. Prescott

rose—

Mr. Speaker

Order. I do not think that there is any point of order for me. The hon. Gentleman has made his point.

Mr. Prescott

I have not made my point, Mr. Speaker. I simply made the point that if elected Members of this House are to take the Government's statements, we must hope that the statements are consistent. The statement made in another place made it clear that there will be no statement before the summer recess. Therefore, they will make it during the recess. That is quite different from what the Secretary of State said yesterday at 4 pm. Only a statement from the Government about their attitude to this matter can clear up the issue.

Mr. Speaker

This is clearly a matter not for me but for the Government