HC Deb 23 March 1987 vol 113 c20 3.33 pm
Mr. A. J. Beith (Berwick-upon-Tweed)

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Although it is clearly not for you to become involved in the answers which Ministers give to the House — you would have a very difficulty task if you were—nevertheless, is it not right that from time to time we should draw it to your attention when hon. Members feel that Ministers have persistently misled the House or persistently failed to give the House the information for which hon. Members were asking—

Mr. Speaker

Order. Ministers do not persistently mislead. They may give information with which the hon. Gentleman disagrees.

Mr. Beith

In the hope that we might dispel any impression that they could have done, and with the Leader of the House present and perhaps in a position to use his good offices, may I draw to your attention the fact that, on many occasions, hon. Members on both sides of the House, including several of my hon. Friends, have raised with Ministers the question whether battlefield nuclear weapons in the British Army of the Rhine were or were not being updated, and on every occasion—

Mr. Speaker

Order. I think that this would adequately come into Defence Questions tomorrow. It is not a matter of order or a matter for me.

Mr. Beith

rose—

Mr. Speaker

Order. I cannot help the hon. Gentleman. I am genuinely sorry, but I think that we can deal with this tomorrow.

Mr. Beith

Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker

Order. It is not a point of order for me.