BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE (Hansard, 11 July 1986)

Hon. Members
Object.

§ Mr. Tony Banks
On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. The debate on policing in the Metropolis is supposed to be the annual event when Members can express their feelings and, through the Home Secretary, hold the Metropolitan police to account. It is a special occasion for London Members.
I am a Back-Bench Member trying to represent the constituency of Newham, North-West, and through pressure of time I was effectively prevented from representing my constituents in the debate. I know that there are devices open to me as a Member to raise matters of concern within my constituency, but I wanted to raise them within the debate on policing in the Metropolis. We are constantly told that the debate is the one occasion when we can exercise some form of accountability over the Metropolitan police. I think that that is a constitutional nonsense, but that is what we are told.
At 11.30 am we spent 35 or 40 minutes on an important statement, and that time was taken from the debate on policing in the Metropolis. I submit that when that happens, 35 or 40 minutes, or however long is spent on the statement, should be added on to our proceedings. I give notice in raising this point of order that I shall raise this issue with the Procedure Committee. I hope that I shall be 654 supported by my Back-Bench colleagues, many of whom were limited by the pressure on time. Some of them could not participate at all, which is even worse.

§ Mr. Deputy Speaker (Mr. Ernest Armstrong)
I understand these frustrations and I recognise that the hon. Member for Newham North-West (Mr. Banks) has had a frustrating day. He has addressed himself to the right procedures. The issue he has raised is one for the House to decide through the Procedure Committee and is not a matter for the Chair.

§ Mr. Cohen
On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. One of the key aspects of the debate on policing in the Metropolis is that the Commissioner's report, which has been agreed by Home Office Ministers, states that there will be additional militarisation for the Metropolitan police. It is being authorised to buy military-type weapons.

§ Mr. Deputy Speaker
Order. The hon. Gentleman cannot raise matters of policy on points of order.

§ Mr. Cohen
I am not, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I am saying—

§ Mr. Deputy Speaker
Order. The hon. Gentleman must inform me what his point of order is.

§ Mr. Cohen
My point of order is that at 29 minutes past two o'clock my hon. Friend the Member for Islington, North (Mr. Corbyn) attempted to obtain a vote by a procedural means that you ruled out of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. It is vital in the interests of Londoners that there should be a vote on whether the increased militarisation of the police goes ahead. It is a disgrace to democracy and so-called accountability that such a decision should be made. The Guardian has stated that it will involve more accidental death and alienation, and will arouse precisely the patterns that Scarman urged the police to cool. It is a disgrace that this should go ahead without us having an opportunity to vote upon the issue. I ask for your advice, Mr. Deputy Speaker, on how we can secure such a vote.

§ Mr. Corbyn
Further to the earlier point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I am sure that you understand the frustrations of London Members on such matters. Can you advise the House by what means we can obtain a vote on an important statement made by the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis through the Home Secretary? [Interruption.] The hon. Member who seeks to interrupt is outside the Chamber. Therefore, he has no right to interrupt. Can you advise us, Mr. Deputy Speaker, by what means we can ensure that, before the House rises for the summer recess, there can be a debate and a vote on the question of the Commissioner's report to the House of Commons so that hon. Members who wish to do so may express their dissatisfaction with the method and policy of policing in London?

§ Mr. Deputy Speaker
There are ways and means of putting down appropriate motions on which a vote can be taken. That is not a matter for me.