HC Deb 08 March 1989 vol 148 c900 4.44 pm
Mr. John Prescott (Kingston upon Hull, East)

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Have you received a request from the Government or the Secretary of State for Transport to make a statement, in view of today's announcement by British Rail on the Channel tunnel? It makes it clear that an extra £1 billion will be required to meet problems in Kent. That clearly transfers the matter from a private Bill procedure to a public investment, which means public accountability. It is quite deplorable that we have had no statement from the Government. This matter affects not only the people of Kent but everybody in all parts of the United Kingdom.

Mr. Speaker

I have had no such request today. I understand that the statement was only made at 3.30.

Mrs. Alice Mahon (Halifax)

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Since you are the final arbiter on questions that are tabled in the Table Office, could you give me some assistance as to why part of a question that I tabled has been refused? I—

Mr. Speaker

Order. May I stop the hon. Lady there? I have not had an opportunity of looking at this question and I am afraid that I know nothing about it. Will she please allow me to do so before she raises a point of order on the matter?

Mrs. Mahon

rose

Mr. Speaker

Order. It cannot be raised now. Let me look into it, please.

Mr. Jeremy Corbyn (Islington, North)

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Have you received any request from the Secretary of State for Health to introduce regulations into the House to ensure that those people who are seeking to make claims from his Department to enable them to travel to visit sick relatives can have their claims properly dealt with rather than held up in a queue of 10,000 in the offices in Newcastle?

Mr. Speaker

I have not had such a request.

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