§ 3.31 pm
§ Mr. Kevin McNamara (Kingston upon Hull, North)On a point of order, Mr. Speaker, on matters appertaining to the rule of law, the primacy of the police and confidence in the security forces in Northern Ireland? You will recall, Mr. Speaker—
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. That matter is for the Government, not me.
§ Mr. McNamaraMr. Speaker, you will recall that at Question Time last Thursday the Government were twice asked to make a statement on the subject at the conclusion of the Nelson trial. I had privately written to the Secretary of State about that. The matters related to the honesty and integrity of the British Army, connivance in terrorist offences, the role of the police and security forces, and plea bargaining to prevent full public scrutiny of the issues in the House and before the British public.
May I ask you, Mr. Speaker, to seek some way to force, make, persuade or otherwise cajole the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland who has responsibility for such matters to make a statement to the House?
§ Mr. SpeakerI have received no request for a statement, but the hon. Gentleman's point of order will have been heard by those Ministers with responsibility for such matters.