§ Mr. Neil Kinnock (Islwyn)On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Last Thursday when putting a question to the Prime Minister, for greater accuracy I quoted from the evidence given by Sir Robert Armstrong in the course of the current court case in Australia. I subsequently realised, of course, that quotations by hon. Members are not in order at Question Time, and I express my regret for what occurred.
§ Mr. SpeakerI am obliged to the right hon. Gentleman. [Interruption.] Order. The hon. Gentleman's quotations were short, which is doubtless why I did not recognise them as quotations, but he has stated the rule correctly and the House has been usefully reminded of its terms.
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. I do not think anything further can arise on that.
§ Mr. Ian Gow (Eastbourne)May I seek your clarification on one point, Mr. Speaker? You said in answer to the Leader of the Opposition that quotations at Question Time were not in order. Will you confirm that that ruling applies only to those who ask questions and does not apply to those who reply to questions?
§ Mr. SpeakerI do not know whether I have got the hon. Gentleman's drift. If he is saying that Ministers may quote, that is correct. It has always been the case that Ministers may quote in the interests of greater accuracy.