§ Mr. Nick Raynsford (Fulham)On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I wish to raise a point of order relating to the rights of Back-Bench Members and the obligations of Ministers to the House.
Earlier this afternoon, I received a letter from the Under-Secretary of State for Transport notifying me that he would be answering a written question today on an important matter that affects my constituency, that of my hon. Friend the Member for Hammersmith (Mr. Soley) and those of the hon. Members for Kensington (Sir B. Rhys Williams) and for Chelsea (Mr. Scott), the Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office.
The question related to urban road building affecting the four constituencies and the letter said that the Minister would subsequently visit the area accompanied by the press. Despite attempts to speak to the Minister and his office to request further information, I was told that no further information could be given me, but that in due course I would receive a copy of the written answer. When I came to the House at 3.30 pm I had still not received it.
Is it proper for Ministers to behave in this way towards hon. Members, particularly when it transpires that at this very moment the Minister is in my constituency and adjoining ones making statements to the press and commenting on matters of which hon. Members have no knowledge? Is it proper for Ministers to show such contempt—[HON. MEMBERS: "Arrogance."]—to constituency members and to fail to make a statement?
§ Mr. SpeakerNormally, answers to written questions are available at 3.30 pm, so the hon. Gentleman should have had that. I cannot answer the second part of the hon. Gentleman's question except to say that normally, if a Minister were in an hon. Gentleman's constituency, it would be a courtesy to let him know.