§ Mr. Neil Kinnock (Islwyn)On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Several times in recent weeks, Ministers, including the Prime Minister, have told the House that they took a completely dispassionate view of the affairs of Westland plc. Disagreement about that issue has now led to the resignation of a Cabinet Minister. Following his resignation, the right hon. Member for Henley (Mr. Heseltine), the former Secretary of State for Defence, repeatedly made the grave allegation that the Prime Minister had been systematically following one course in the privacy of Government, while insisting both in public and in the House that she was following the opposite course—[Interruption.] The implications of that for the House are grave indeed—[Interruption.] They clearly—[Interruption.]
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. The right hon. Gentleman is putting a point of order to me.
§ Mr. KinnockWhen it is alleged that the Prime Minister has said one thing in private, but systematically said another in this House, the implications for this House are serious. They are that someone has been telling the truth, and that someone has not been telling the truth.
For that reason, I asked the Prime Minister to make a statement on the matter to the House today. The right hon. Lady refused. I believe that that is a craven evasion of her duty to the House and country. I therefore give notice that on Wednesday the Opposition will use their Supply day to debate these issues. During that debate I shall demand that the Prime Minister comes to the House and accounts for her role and her conduct in this matter of national importance. The Prime Minister can run, but she cannot hide.
§ Mr. SpeakerI understand that that matter is to be the subject of a statement.
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. I call the Leader of the House to make a business statement.