HC Deb 01 December 1993 vol 233 c1062 4.56 pm
Mr. Andrew Faulds (Warley, East)

On a point of order, Madam Speaker. I should like to apologise to the House and to you in particular for my rudeness yesterday in using a somewhat inappropriate term when I raised the need for an apology from the Secretary of State for Education for his discourtesy to the House in breaching the Budget deadline, for which you reprimanded him. I regret my verbal misdemeanour—it does not happen very often. I trust that you will accept my extended apologies.

Madam Speaker

I am much obliged to the hon. Gentleman. Of course I accept his apology.

Mr. Mike Hall (Warrington, South)

On a point of order, Madam Speaker. Over the past few months, I have written to the Secretary of State for Social Security with inquiries about Government policy with regard to the operation of the Child Support Agency. I know that other hon. Members have done the same. Those inquiries have been passed to the Child Support Agency for answering, and the replies have been totally inadequate.

Last week, I tabled a question to the Secretary of State for Social Security asking him to list the number of inquiries the Child Support Agency has dealt with since its inception by constituency order. I received a reply yesterday, which states: I understand from Ros Hepplewhite, the chief executive of the Child Support Agency, that information in the form requested is not available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost."—[Official Report, 30 November 1993; Vol. 233, c. 429.] Is it in order for Ministers to avoid answering questions in this way? What steps can you take to ensure that information requested by hon. Members is provided and that Ministers are accountable to the House on Government policy?

Madam Speaker

I am sure that the hon. Gentleman is aware that the content of answers is not a matter for the Chair. I simply tell him to seek opportunities to pursue his complaint with Ministers. Perhaps I could draw his attention to the fact that there will be an Adjournment debate on that issue tomorrow.

Dr. Norman A. Godman (Greenock and Port Glasgow)

On a point of order, Madam Speaker. It is with reference to your earlier strictures on a somewhat lengthy statement. First, may I compliment you? You called all hon. Members who sought to catch your eye. Nevertheless, I should like to know whether you are ever given any indication of the likely length of the presentation of a statement before the Minister goes to the Dispatch Box.

Madam Speaker

I am concerned not simply about the length of statements but also about the length of replies to statements and the time taken by Back Benchers to put their questions. The whole exchanges during Question Time and following statements concern me. Although I am very anxious to call all Members who stand—I cannot always do that, but I do my best—it is possible only if I have brisk questions and brisk responses from the Minister concerned.