§ Mr. Bob Cryer (Bradford, South)On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. You will recall that yesterday the Minister made a statement on the European court decision on VAT, during which he said that several hon. Members, including myself, had voted in favour of the sixth VAT directive when it was brought before the House in 1976. Under Standing Order No. 127 the Select Committee on European Legislation has a duty to report to the House on matters which, in its opinion, need to be debated. It did so on that occasion and, as is usual in the House, a "take note" motion was tabled. That was not, and has never been, regarded as a motion in favour of any issue before the House. It was a motion.
During that debate several hon. Members, including the then Select Committee Chairman, Sir John Eden, called for further debate because the House was considering a draft directive and many changes were to be made at the appropriate Council of Ministers' meeting. Subsequently, there were calls for further debates because of the massive changes, but the matter was never subsequently debated in the House. Therefore, no Minister can possibly claim that hon. Members voted at any time in favour of that draft directive.
§ Mr. SpeakerWe cannot continue this debate, which arises from questions yesterday. I have listened to what the hon. Gentleman said, and he has made his point.
§ Mr. SpeakerNo. The matter does not arise today. We dealt with it yesterday.
§ Mr. SpearingFurther to that point of order—
§ Mr. SpeakerIs it a point of order for me?
§ Mr. SpearingYes, Sir. I give you notice that, arising from the Minister's statement yesterday on the decision of the House on the sixth VAT directive, I am looking into the records relating to the decision—when it took place and during which debate. Later I may be able to raise on a point of order the definitive decision of the House.
§ Mr. SpeakerI note what the hon. Member said.
§ Mr. Tony Marlow (Northampton, North)Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker.
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. We dealt with this matter yesterday and the hon. Member must not seek to continue what went on then. These matters are not for me.