Oral Answers to Questions (Hansard, 23 July 1990)

HC Deb 23 July 1990 vol 177 cc2-20 2

§ Mr. Speaker
We now come to questions to the Department of Energy.

§ Mr. Salmond
On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Is it in order to ask whether the gross discourtesy shown to members of the Select Committee on Energy and to Scottish Members by making the important announcement about the Britoil golden share on Friday was connected with weekend press reports that the Minister with responsibility for oil is about to be sacked? If that is so—

§ Mr. Speaker
No, that has nothing to do with energy questions.

§ Mr. Salmond
I am coming to the point of order—

§ Mr. Speaker
Order. It takes up time from other hon. Members' questions and it has nothing to do with energy questions today. This matter was raised on Friday, which is a full working day here.

§ Mr. Salmond
If that is the case, Mr. Speaker, what powers do you have to ensure that the rights of Back-Bench Members are protected from musical chairs on the Government Front Bench?

§ Mr. Speaker
This matter arose on Friday. I said then that it would have been convenient if we had known of it beforehand, but Friday is a working day in the House of Commons.