HC Deb 18 November 1992 vol 214 c293 3.31 pm
Mr. Bill Michie (Sheffield, Heeley)

On a point of order, Madam Speaker. On 2 November, in answer to an oral question about the additional £8 million to local Department of Social Security offices, the Secretary of State for Social Security stated: Details will be placed in the Library in due course."—[Official Report, 2 November 1992; Vol. 213, c. 1.] Since that date, I have been asking the Library for that information, but unfortunately it is still not available. I have since found out that the local district offices are now in possession of that information. As late as today, I was told that it will be two weeks before the information will be available to right hon. and hon. Members. Surely that is just not good enough. It is embarrassing for us all. The matter shows that the Secretary of State and his staff are either incompetent or are treating the House with contempt.

Madam Speaker

I hope that Ministers on the Treasury Bench have noted the hon. Gentleman's points so that the matter can be looked at in order to ensure that documents which should be available outside the House are not denied to hon. Members inside.

We now come to the ballot for notices of motion. It would be most helpful if hon. Members would sign outside the Chamber and not at the last minute.

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