HC Deb 26 October 1988 vol 139 cc298-9 3.35 pm
Mr. Tony Blair (Sedgefield)

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. You will be aware of the tremendous interest in the Barlow Clowes affair. Through you, may we ask for an explanation of the puzzling case of the hon. Member for Honiton (Sir P. Emery) and his question No. 13 on the Order Paper relating to Barlow Clowes? The hon. Gentleman was present but the question was absent. Are we to have an explanation, or are we to assume that Ministers simply do not wish to be questioned on the matter today?

Sir Peter Emery (Honiton)

Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker. I withdrew the question because I happen to believe that, in the light of all that I am trying to achieve, what is now required is a degree of quiet and calm for a short period so that we can determine whether people outside this House can do something to assist the many thousands of investors in Barlow Clowes. Nobody is more interested in achieving that than I am. If politicans would be a little quieter at the moment, it might just be possible that we shall be successful.

Mr. Speaker

If hon. Members wish to withdraw a question, it would be a courtesy to the House if they let the Table Office know the evening before so that the question is not printed on the Order Paper. That would, I think, be for the convenience of other hon. Members who may wish to come to the Chamber in the hope of taking part in the discussion on that question.

Sir Peter Emery

rose—

Mr. Speaker

Order. That is not a stricture on the hon. Gentleman. I am seeking to be helpful.

Sir Peter Emery

Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker. An hon. Member has the right to withdraw a question at any time until Question Time. No impoliteness was intended to the Minister, whom I informed the moment that I knew that I wished to withdraw the question. It must surely be for an hon. Member to judge what is best overall. That is what I did, and any other hon. Member would also do that.

Mr. Dennis Skinner (Bolsover)

Further to that point of order—

Mr. Speaker

Order. Not on that matter, which I think we have exhausted.

Mr. Skinner

rose—

Mr. Speaker

Order. Is it a different matter?

Mr. Skinner

Well, it is going off at a tangent—

Mr. Speaker

Order. I do not think that we want to do that today. We have a heavy day before us, and there are six prayers.