§ Mr. Chris Smith (Islington, South and Finsbury)On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. As you will know, in my constituency on Saturday evening there was an explosion at the Honourable Artillery Company premises, and a large number of people who had been enjoying a birthday party were injured in that blast. I am sure that the House will feel a sense of outrage and shock at what happened. [HON. MEMBERS: "Hear, hear."]
Could you tell us, Mr. Speaker, whether the Government have said why they will not come to the House to make a statement on that matter? Not only is there a great deal of concern about what happened on Saturday night, but there are wider issues about the security of similar buildings that have a connection with the armed services, but not necessarily any direct military use. There is a great deal of public concern and it is not good enough for the Ministry of Defence simply to say that everything is all right. Now is not the time for complacency. I hope that you can enlighten us on whether the Government have said anything to you about coming to the House to make a statement.
§ Mr. SpeakerI have not had such a request from the Government. I hope that the hon. Gentleman will have other opportunities to raise this sad matter, which has affected his constituency, perhaps during the defence estimates debate next week.
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