Ministerial Responsibility (Hansard, 2 February 1987)

§ Mr. Norman Buchan (Paisley, South)
On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. This has relevance to my position as a Back Bencher, if you recall the events of last week.
Two important matters have emerged today and they require answers. First, may I have explained to me the nature of ministerial responsibility? Last week, when the Attorney-General was asked to speak about the English end of this shoddy affair, the reply was given by the Solicitor-General. Today, a question was put down to the Secretary of State for Scotland to deal with the Scottish end. I understand that it is within the Government's remit to transfer such a question to the Solicitor-General for Scotland. They chose not to do that and, therefore, the Secretary of State was able to rest on the silly, minor legalities of his position.
The second aspect of ministerial responsibility, which seems crucial in this affair, is, "Who now speaks on behalf of the broadcaster and freedom of the press?"

Hon. Members
The hon. Gentleman does not.

§ Mr. Speaker
Order. Will the hon. Gentleman please come to the point?

§ Mr. Buchan
Who now speaks on behalf of the broadcaster and freedom of the press? We are told that the Home Office's official functions include freedom of the press, the right to reply and the freedom of the broadcaster. Clearly the Home Secretary, who launches the cavalry at Wapping, and whose special branch in the Metropolitan police launches an assault on the New Statesman, no longer speaks in defence, or on behalf, of broadcasting or the freedom of the press.

§ Mr. Speaker
Order. If the hon. Gentleman is fortunate enough to catch my eye tomorrow, which is quite possible, he could raise these matters then. I do not think that I can deal with them today. It is not a matter for me who answers from the Government Front Bench. I allowed the private notice question to be asked and it was answered by the Secretary of State for Scotland.