HC Deb 19 February 1996 vol 272 c40 4.41 pm
Mr. Jim Cousins (Newcastle upon Tyne, Central)

On a point of order, Madam Speaker. As one who was a member of the Select Committee on Trade and Industry at the time of the Iraqi supergun affair, I have written to you to seek your guidance on what I consider to be important issues for the House, arising from the Scott report and the evidence given to the inquiry. Are you in a position to give me that guidance?

Madam Speaker

No, I am not. I received the hon. Gentleman's letter about an hour before I arrived in the Chair, so I am not in a position to reply. I shall, however, let the hon. Gentleman have a written reply as soon as I can. I am aware of the points that he has made in his letter. If he wishes to draw my attention to a possible breach of privilege, he must make specific complaints in writing, and I shall consider whether to give precedence to his complaints in the usual manner. However, I ask him to await the response to his letter, which I shall see that he receives as soon as possible.