HC Deb 27 October 1993 vol 230 c827 3.31 pm
Mr. Max Madden (Bradford, West)

On a point of order, Madam Speaker. I realise that the timing of statements is no responsibility of yours, but has the Prime Minister given you any idea when he intends to report on the Commonwealth Heads of Government conference in Cyprus?

Madam Speaker

The Prime Minister has not been in touch with me on that matter, but I believe that a written answer will appear in today's Hansard.

Mr. John McAllion (Dundee, East)

On a point of order, Madam Speaker. As a general rule, motions proposed in the House require notice, unless they are of a formal or uncontentious character. Will you advise me whether a motion proposed by me, welcoming a decisive vote by the civil service trade unions, in a big turn-out, in favour of strike action against the Government's market testing proposals in the civil service, would be regarded as uncontentious as there is general support in the House for civil servants' right to take industrial action? May I therefore propose such a motion without giving formal notice?

Madam Speaker

We take motions in the normal way, and the hon. Gentleman is putting a matter to me concerning a motion that I have not had the chance to see for myself. He should give me that chance first.

Mr. Ian Bruce (South Dorset)

On a point of order, Madam Speaker. Have you had any representations from hon. Members about security in the House? I am sure that it has come to everyone's notice that it is no longer seen as fitting to leave documents around this place, as we all share photocopiers, offices and other such facilities, and Opposition Members are keen on ensuring that confidential documents are placed in the public domain. Can you, Madam Speaker, do anything either to separate honourable colleagues or to improve security in this place?

Madam Speaker

All that is required is for hon. Members in ail parts of the House to show a little more care when making duplicates of documents.