HC Deb 13 February 1991 vol 185 c855 3.44 pm
Mr. Anthony Steen (South Hams)

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I wonder whether you would advise Government Departments that, when they group one question with another, they should advise the hon. Members concerned that they intend to do so. I was not advised until a quarter to three this afternoon that my question No. 13 would be grouped with question No. 4. Will you say something about that practice, Mr. Speaker?

The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Mr. Douglas Hogg)

Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker. I apologise to my hon. Friend the Member for South Hams (Mr. Steen). A letter was put on the notice board, I understand at about 11 o'clock this morning. I am sorry that my hon. Friend did not receive it. It may have been the fault of my officials. I shall contemplate how we can improve communications because I well understand that it puts my hon. Friend and other hon. Members in an embarrassing position, and I would not want that to happen again.

Rev. Martin Smyth (Belfast, South)

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I do not expect that you saw "Newsnight" last night, but I know that many people throughout the nation share with the people of Northern Ireland their concern about the shameful treatment of members of the armed forces and the UDR. Will the Attorney-General be making a statement in the House tomorrow about an appeal?

Mr. Speaker

I did not have an opportunity to watch that programme, but I am sure that what the hon. Gentleman says will have been heard on the Front Bench.

Mr. John Marshall (Hendon, South)

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Questions that were allegedly tabled for answer on 26 February were in fact tabled for answer on 25 February.

Mr. Speaker

I shall look into that.