HC Deb 06 February 1985 vol 72 c971 5.39 pm
Mr. David Winnick (Walsall, North)

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. As I understand the position, it is not possible to table private notice questions relating to the policies of other Governments. I raise this point because many hon. Members are deeply concerned about the pressures that are being applied to a democratic Commonwealth country, namely, New Zealand, arising from its policy of using port facilities for nuclear vessels.

We have close ties with Commonwealth countries. There are items of furniture in this very Chamber given to us by New Zealand and other Commonwealth countries. Is there any way in which we can express our concern about the pressure being applied against New Zealand, especially by the United States? Could a message be debated and sent from this House?

Finally, as this concerns a Commonwealth country, will the Table Office be able to accept questions on it?

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Gentleman has more or less answered his own point of order. He is an experienced Member and there are many ways in which matters of this kind can be raised. There is, however, no ministerial responsibility for anything that the New Zealand Government may do.