§ Mr. D. N. Campbell-Savours (Workington)On a point of order, Madam Speaker. In recent months, you will have noticed that, at each Question Time, Ministers are asking Opposition spokesmen questions. Would it be in order for an Opposition spokesman to answer a question at the Dispatch Box? If an Opposition spokesman were to answer, would you then rule that he or she was out of order?
Madam SpeakerMany of these questions are rhetorical, but I remind the entire House that "Erskine May", which I am not quoting precisely, states that Question Time is there for Members to seek information from the Government and to press the Government for action. I think that that answers the hon. Gentleman's point of order.
§ Mr. David Winnick (Walsall, North)On a point of order, Madam Speaker. We are, as we are always reminded, a United Kingdom Parliament. As there has been no statement, will you tell us whether there is any way in which the House can express its concern about, and our sympathy for the victims of, the massacre of six innocent people in Northern Ireland? All they were doing was watching a football match on television and they were gunned down by murderous psychopaths.
Although I understand why we do not always have a statement after massacres, whether they are, as on Saturday, of Catholics or, as at other times, of Protestants, is not it necessary for us to show that we are not indifferent, that we deeply deplore what occurred and that we hope that those responsible for the massacre will be brought to justice?
Madam SpeakerAs the hon. Gentleman knows, that is not a point of order. We seldom have Government statements following a terrorist attack, but there are opportunities during Northern Ireland questions to raise security matters of that nature.
§ Mr. Simon HughesOn a point of order, Madam Speaker. Reverting to the issue—
§ Mr. HughesIt is a separate—
Madam SpeakerOrder. There will be no reversion to the original issue. The hon. Gentleman will remember my words very clearly. I made it quite clear that it is for Members to seek information from the Executive and to press for action. I have said enough. That is the end of that point of order.
§ Mr. Dennis Skinner (Bolsover)On a point of order, Madam Speaker. Would you agree that the simplest way of resolving the problem—I know that it places you in some difficulty—is for the Government to call a general election, then our lot can answer all the questions?
Madam SpeakerIt does not actually place me in any difficulty at all. My campaigning days are over—so if a general election were called, I would have a holiday.