HC Deb 19 November 1992 vol 214 c430 4.26 pm
Mr. Paul Flynn (Newport, West)

On a point of order, Madam Speaker. I raise the matter of early-day motions with you as the defender of Back-Bench Members' rights. As you know, early-day motions are one of the principal channels through which Back-Bench Members can communicate. An early-day motion of mine has been turned down for the most extraordinary reason. 1 can find no senior Member who has ever heard of that reason—

Madam Speaker

Order. May I give a little guidance to the hon. Gentleman, because I want to be helpful in these matters? If the motion has been turned down, there are procedures that he has to follow, so the matter cannot be raised on the Floor of the House. If he goes to the Table Office, he will be informed of the procedures to follow, and I shall do my best to give him guidance in the matter. The matter cannot be raised on the Floor of the House once an early-day motion has been turned down. If the hon. Gentleman will do as I ask, I shall give him as much help as I can.

Mr. Flynn

May I continue a little further, because—

Madam Speaker

Order. I have dealt with the point of order. There is nothing further that we can do at this stage on the Floor of the House. I have given the hon. Gentleman some guidance, and I hope that he will follow it.