HC Deb 07 March 1984 vol 55 c853 3.33 pm
Mr. Malcolm Bruce (Gordon)

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I seek your guidance on a Scottish Office publication received by hon. Members today — the commentary on the public expenditure programme for Scotland. I understand that the Secretary of State presented the document to the press yesterday at a press conference, and it is reported in the Scottish press today. Why should the press be given such information in advance of hon. Members?

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Gentleman has drawn attention yet again to a practice that I deprecate. I feel that hon. Members should be given information, if embargoed copies are sent to the press, at the latest at the same time as the publication. I cannot go beyond that.