HC Deb 22 May 1984 vol 60 cc814-5
6. Mr. Eggar

to ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a further statement on the reorganisation of his Department and the introduction of responsibility budgets.

Mr. Willie W. Hamilton

rose—

Mr. Skinner

Answer.

Mr. Canavan

Answer.

Mr. Speaker

Order. I call the Minister.

Mr. Heseltine

I refer my hon. Friend to the 1984 "Statement on the Defence Estimates", which I presented to the House last week. Chapter 2 of the statement outlines my proposals for reorganisation, which are currently the subject of a period of discussion and consultation.

Mr. Willie W. Hamilton

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Is this question No. 6, or what?

Mr. Speaker

I think that the Minister is answering a supplementary question on No. 5.

Mr. Hamilton

I should like to know the Secretary of State's answer.

Mr. Speaker

Order. I thought that the Minister was answering the supplementary question of the hon. Member for Linlithgow (Mr. Dalyell) on the Falkland Islands.

Mr. Heseltine

Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker. I had answered No. 5, and I was answering No. 6.

Mr. Speaker

Order. We seem to have got ourselves into a bit of a twist. [Interruption.] Order. This takes time. I call Mr. Tim Eggar. Is he present? [HON. MEMBERS: "No."] I call Mr. Hal Miller.

Mr. Hamilton

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker

I shall take the point of order afterwards.

Mr. Hamilton

rose—

Mr. Speaker

Order. I shall take the hon. Gentleman's point of order afterwards. If he raises it now it will take time out of questions, and I cannot extend the time for them.

Mr. Canavan

What a farce.