§ 4.7 pm
§ Mr. Nick Ainger (Pembroke)On a point of order, Madam Speaker. You will have heard the Leader of the House tell us that there is a possibility, and only a possibility, that the Social Security (Disability Living Allowance and Claims and Payments) Amendment Regulations 1996 will be debated before the recess.
I have a copy of a leaflet that has been sent to every person who is in receipt of the mobility component of the disability living allowance. It informs them that there is a new law affecting the disability living allowance, and that, from 31 July, the law has changed so that people in hospital might lose the mobility component. Is it in order for the Department of Social Security to issue thousands of leaflets pointing out that the law has changed when it has not? Is that not an abuse of the House?
§ Madam SpeakerThe law has changed and the leaflet is perfectly in order. I have dealt with the matter for other Members who raised it with me through correspondence. The regulations have been laid before Parliament subject to the negative procedure and are therefore in force unless annulled. If he would like to come and see me, I will explain it to him further, but there is no problem about it.
§ Mr. Gerald Bermingham (St. Helens, South)On a point of order, Madam Speaker. During the questions raised by my right hon. Friend the Leader of the Opposition to the Prime Minister this afternoon, there emanated from the back end of the Chamber the word "boring". We can tolerate that, but a strange mooing sound then emanated from a certain Conservative Member. It may be that the Member who made the noise is ill. Could you use your good offices to indicate to the Serjeant at Arms and the various gentlemen ushers that, if the noise is heard again, assistance should be given to its maker?
§ Madam SpeakerIf I were to hear such a noise, I myself would give assistance, by moving whoever made it out of the Chamber.