§ [MADAM SPEAKER in the Chair]
9.34 am§ Mr. Nigel Spearing (Newham, South)On a point of order, Madam Speaker. There has been much publicity this morning about a Government announcement on sport. I speak as someone who was heavily engaged in sport for 14 years before coming to this place, as a coach and as a participant in spare and school time.
I understand that an announcement will be made outside the House at 11.30 this morning. Have you received a request for a Minister to make a statement at 11 o'clock? Up to what time can the Government make such a request if they change their mind and decide to make a statement? Are you aware that the money that will be the subject of the announcement is not public money, although some people might think that it is?
§ Mr. Dennis Skinner (Bolsover)Further to that point of order, Madam Speaker. I see that the Minister of State, Department of National Heritage is in the Chamber. It is conceivable that he might be able to say something about the matter raised by my hon. Friend the Member for Newham, South (Mr. Spearing) while he is dealing with the first Lords amendment to the Olympic Symbol Etc. (Protection) Bill. That would be inappropriate, however, because hon. Members would not be able to challenge the Minister as they would be able to do if he made a statement in the normal manner. We need an assurance from the Minister that he will make a statement at the appropriate time to tell us that lottery money will not be involved. If it were, the Government would be stealing money from the lottery, something that we suggested could happen a long time ago.
§ Madam SpeakerOrder. I cannot allow a debate on a point of order. I take note of the remarks of the hon. Member for Newham, South (Mr. Spearing).
§ Madam SpeakerI understand that the Minister wishes to respond.
§ Mr. SproatThank you, Madam Speaker. Rather than taking up time during a private Members' day by making a statement, I thought that it would be for the convenience of the House to set out our new sports policy in a written statement, which I have done. The policy paper is in the Vote Office. Also for the convenience of the House, I understand that next week we shall have a full debate on the subject. That means that we shall have more time to debate the subject than would be available to the House if I were to make a statement today. I thought that it would be best for the House to debate the matter as fully as possible. I hope that, with that explanation, hon. Members will be satisfied.