HC Deb 25 April 1988 vol 132 c20
36. Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Lord President of the Council what action he takes when early-day motions are brought to his attention at business questions.

Mr. Wakeham

These are referred to the Minister with responsibility for the issue raised and any action that seems appropriate is taken.

Mr. Dalyell

To which Minister did the Lord President refer early-day motions 228, 253, 272, 273 and 286? As he was intimately involved, according to Mr. Peter Jenkins in his book, in all the crucial meetings concerned with how to deal with the right hon. Member for Henley (Mr. Heseltine) on Westland, does he refer to himself—that would be a problem—or does he refer to the Prime Minister? If he refers to the Prime Minister, what is he going to do about her organised mendacity on the subject?

Mr. Speaker

Order. The hon. Gentleman must withdraw that phrase making an allegation against an individual Member of the House, to wit the Prime Minister.

Mr. Dalyell

Then it must be a shameless lack of candour.

Mr. Wakeham

It may be a disappointment to the hon. Gentleman, but when he asks supplementary questions these days, what he says does not come as a great surprise to the Minister at the Dispatch Box. Thus, most Ministers come, like myself, prepared to answer his supplementary question with the phrase, "I have nothing further to add."