State Security (Hansard, 2 November 1987)

§ Mr. Merlyn Rees (Morley and Leeds, South)
On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. At the time of discussions in the House on the Massiter affair and security, I asked the Prime Minister whether she would consider setting up a post of ombudsman or counsellor so that those staff in MI5, MI6 and GCHQ who are in difficulties because of policies that they are asked to implement would be able to discuss their difficulties with a higher authority. The Prime Minister gave me a not unhelpful answer. However, I have been waiting about 18 months for the result of her considerations.
Therefore, it was surprising and, I considered, a discourtesy to the House that this weekend I read her decision in a newspaper that was briefed by the journalists at No. 10. That is not a proper way to ascertain the Government's decision on this most important issue.
I ask you, Sir, whether you have heard from the Leader of the House that, as, according to one newspaper and, I understand, copied in another, the Government have made their decision, and as the Minister for the Civil Service said this afternoon that it was a decision for the Prime Minister and was in her hands, we would have an oral statement today. No other form of statement will do on such an important issue.

§ Mr. David Winnick (Walsall, North)
On the same point——

§ Mr. Tony Banks (Newham, North-West)
rose——

§ Mr. Speaker
Order. It is not a matter for me. The whole House knows that whether or not there are statements from the Government Front Bench is not a matter of order. The Leader of the House is present and I am sure that he will have listened carefully to what the right hon. Gentleman said. There will undoubtedly be an opportunity to raise this matter on Tuesday and Thursday when the Prime Minister is at the Dispatch Box.

§ Mr. Banks
rose——

§ Mr. Speaker
I cannot deal with the matter.

§ Mr. Banks
Further to that point of order——

§ Mr. Speaker
It cannot be further to the point of order because the subject of the point of order is not a matter for me. It is not one of order.

§ Mr. Banks
It is about the order of the House, Sir.

§ Mr. Speaker
Order. I have already said that I cannot do anything about the matter. I have already said that there will be opportunities later this week to raise it.

§ Mr. Banks
But, Mr. Speaker——

§ Mr. Speaker
Order.