Britoil (Hansard, 18 December 1987)

§ Mr. Alex Salmond (Banff and Buchan)
On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. At various times during the last few days, hon. Members have asked for a statement on the position of Britoil and the Government's golden share. The Government have replied that no full takeover bid has been made for Britoil. Since the announcement of a full takeover bid by BP, will the Government make a statement on that issue. The Chancellor gave a commitment—

§ Mr. Speaker
Order. The hon. Gentleman has asked for a statement. I am sure that his request will have been heard. This is private Members' time. I cannot answer the question he has asked the Government, so it is not a matter of order.

§ Mr. Salmond
May I continue my point of order?

§ Mr. Speaker
No. I have had no request for a statement. The hon. Gentleman has made his point and I am sure that it will have been heard.

§ Mr. Salmond
May I continue my point of order?

§ Mr. Speaker
No. It is not a point of order. The hon. Gentleman is seeking to elucidate information from the Government. That is not a question of order. The hon. Gentleman has made his point.

§ Mr. Dafydd Wigley (Caernarfon)
Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker. Will the Leader of the House briefly respond to the request for a statement?

§ Lord Privy Seal and Leader of the House of Commons (Mr. John Wakeham)
I have heard the point of order. I know nothing of the details, but I shall certainly pursue the matter. Perhaps it can be best dealt with through the usual channels

§ Mr. Salmond
Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker.

§ Mr. Speaker
No. The hon. Gentleman has heard the answer. The best course would be for him to have a discussion wih the Leader of the House.

§ Mr. Salmond
Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker.

§ Mr. Speaker
Order. This is unfair on a private Members' day. The hon. Gentleman would be equally aggrieved if that happened to him. I ask him to see the Leader of the House.
We now return to the Adjournment debates. Will the hon. Members concerned divide the time between them until 12.30 pm? They will each have slightly less than half an hour.