§ Mr. SpeakerI shall take the points of order. but I hope that they will be brief.
§ Mr. Tony Marlow (Northampton, North)On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. It has long been the tradition and custom of the House that the first business question is asked by the Leader of the Opposition. That seems to have been a satisfactory situation, in keeping with the dignity and importance of the business of the House. Recently you will have noticed that the Leader of the Opposition has not been here for business questions. Is that because the Leader of the Opposition is more important than his predecessors or because the business of the House is now less important than it was before?
§ Mr. SpeakerThat is not a matter of order. It is perfectly in order for the shadow Leader of the House to ask questions on a business statement.
§ Mr. David Winnick (Walsall, North)On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I have just been shown a note about wines on House of Commons stationery circulated by the hon. Member for Luton, North (Mr. Carlisle) to members of the all-party South African group. Inquiries have been made at the Serjeant at Arms' office and it has apparently been confirmed that the postal services and notepaper of the House of Commons should not be used to promote business matters and commercial activity of this nature.
This matter has just been drawn to my attention. It is extremely unfortunate that House of Commons stationery should be used to promote wines and other such products, bearing in mind that, at every opportunity, the hon. for Luton, North reflects the views of the apartheid regime. I suggest, Mr. Speaker, that you ask the Serjeant at Arms to make a thorough investigation into this serious matter.
§ Mr. SpeakerI shall ask for the matter to be investigated.