HC Deb 11 July 1986 vol 101 c604

11 am

Mr. Speaker

Mr. Peter Brooke—statement.

Dr. Oonagh McDonald (Thurrock)

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. We had to ask yesterday For a statement about the EC budget and that was granted for today. However, as yet I have had no copy of the statement. The EC budget is an extremely complex matter. The Government are apparently proud of their achievements there and yet they cannot possibly reveal them to the Opposition spokesmen so that they can get a sight of them before the budget statement takes place. It is an utter disgrace. I cannot see what the Government think they are playing at. It is just another example of their sheer incompetence.

The Minister of State, Treasury (Mr. Peter Brooke)

I should like to respond to the point of order. The opening paragraph of my statement apologises to the official Opposition for any delay in delivering the statement to them. However, all the figures in it had to be double-checked with Brussels and Strasbourg during the morning. I apologise to the hon. Lady.

Mr. Alan Williams (Swansea, West)

Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker. This is absolutely outrageous. My hon. Friend the Member for Thurrock (Mrs. McDonald) is expected to make a considered contribution to this statement and the following discussion without having had the opportunity to look at the statement. Surely we could at least defer it for half an hour or an hour so that the Opposition have an opportunity to look at it and study it properly.

Mr. Speaker

I do not think that I have any authority to delay this statement. Perhaps the sensible thing would be to hear what the Minister has to say and take it from there.

Sir Russell Johnston (Inverness, Nairn and Lochaber)

Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker. Surely it is better for the House to have a little time to contemplate these complicated matters before asking questions off the cuff. Surely that makes sense.

Mr. Speaker

It seems that it would be for the general convenience of the House if the Opposition had an opportunity to study the statement. That being so, I shall return to the Chair at half past 11. I think that that will give us sufficient time for the statement.