Points of Order (Hansard, 11 July 1988)

§ Mr. Tam Dalyell (Linlithgow)
On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. In the light of new information, according to a headline in The Evening Standard, I wonder whether there is any possibility of your reconsidering your decision, taken at 11.30 am, when the information was not available regarding my wish to make an application under Standing Order No. 20. The headline in The Evening Standard states: I reported Piper gas leak". The article contained other assertions—[Interruption.] I represent, as do some other hon. Members, those people who have been widowed in this most tragic and ghastly accident.
In the light of the new information, Mr. Speaker, I wonder whether I could make an application under Standing Order No. 20, requesting a statement regarding the urgent interviewing of those people who received telephone calls from people who later died on the rig, as the telephone calls, with all the publicity and emotion, may well be overprinted in the minds of those who received them.

§ Mr. Speaker
I fully understand the hon. Gentleman's concern about this matter, but I am not aware of anything new that has happened since we discussed the matter earlier today.

§ Mr. Eric Forth (Mid-Worcestershire)
On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Will you confirm that there is a long-standing convention of this House, which has served us well over many years, that hon. Members, particularly senior Members, when abroad, do not criticise the Government of the day? Have you been able to reprimand the Leader of the Opposition for his disgraceful comments on his recent foreign trip?

§ Mr. Speaker
I am responsible for order in this House. I am not responsible for what anybody may say outside it.

§ Mr. Tony Marlow (Northampton, North)
On a point of order, Mr. Speaker.

§ Mr. Speaker
It is not a matter for me. It is not a point of order at all. Is there a different point of order?

§ Mr. Marlow
It is a different point of order. As my right hon. and learned Friend the Foreign Secretary is present in the Chamber at the moment, would it be possible for him to make a statement as to whether it is possible for him to withdraw the passport of the Leader of the Opposition?