HC Deb 12 November 1992 vol 213 c1044 6.40 pm
Mr. Win Griffiths (Bridgend)

On a point of order, Madam Speaker. During questions on the autumn statement, the Chancellor was asked by one of my hon. Friends whether invalidity benefit would be taxed in future. In answer, the right hon. Gentleman referred to the statement to be made later by his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Security. When the Secretary of State was asked that same question, however, by one of my hon. Friends, he said that that was a matter for the Chancellor.

I wonder whether you would check the record, Madam Speaker, to see whether the Chancellor said, as I believe, that it was a matter for his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Security. If so, would you call the Chancellor back to the House tomorrow to answer that question?

Madam Speaker

The hon. Member knows that I have no authority to require Ministers to come to the Dispatch Box. Perhaps this matter can be made clear in the debate next week.

Mr. Jeremy Corbyn (Islington, North)

On a point of order, Madam Speaker. When my hon. Friend the Member for Thurrock (Mr. Mackinlay) raised the extremely important and delicate matter of the memory of those who were rightfully or wrongly killed, the Government Whip and the Under-Secretary of State for Health, the hon. Member for Suffolk, South (Mr. Yeo), seemed to find it all very amusing and kept on trying to interrupt my hon. Friend as he asked that serious question. May I ask them, through you, Madam Speaker, to disport themselves in a better manner when my hon. Friend speaks?

Madam Speaker

That is not a point of order for me. I think that I made my position clear to start with when I said that I expect hon. Members, however serious their contribution, to be in the Chamber at the beginning of a statement.