§ That this House takes note of European Community Document No. 9984/97, Agenda 2000, as it relates to structural and cohesion policy; and supports the Government's aim that the reformed Funds should take account of the United Kingdom's regional interests and be fair to the United Kingdom in relation to other Member States, and that the reforms should make the Funds simpler, more efficient, affordable and durable.—[Mr. Kevin Hughes.]
§ Question agreed to.
§ Mr. Peter L. Pike (Burnley)On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Is it not the advice and view of the Speaker of the House of Commons that, when a Division is called, Tellers should be provided? On numerous occasions, has not Madam Speaker frowned on the type of practice that we have seen in the past half hour?
§ Mr. Deputy Speaker (Mr. Michael J. Martin)I can say only that the Chair has observed the rules of the House. I will leave it at that.
§ Mr. Nick St. Aubyn (Guildford)On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I believe that I have witnessed a serious infringement of hon. Members' rights to bring their constituents' concerns to the attention of the senior member of the Government. Earlier this evening, in the Lobby, my hon. Friend the Member for North Shropshire (Mr. Paterson) tried to approach the Prime Minister and was physically restrained by Labour Members. He was trying to perform his duty as a Member of Parliament. Will you please bring the matter to the attention of Madam Speaker?
§ Mr. Douglas Hogg (Sleaford and North Hykeham)Further to that point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker.
§ Mr. Deputy SpeakerOrder. Please be seated, as I have not yet dealt with the point of order raised by the hon. Member for Guildford (Mr. St. Aubyn)—which was not a matter for the Chair. I am also quite sure that the 1153 hon. Member for North Shropshire (Mr. Paterson) is capable of raising issues affecting his constituents in other ways.
§ Mr. Deputy SpeakerOrder. The right hon. and learned Gentleman said, "Further to that point of order," but it was not a point of order. I therefore hope that he will not continue.
§ Mr. HoggMr. Deputy Speaker, there is a further point of order. If what my hon. Friend the Member for Guildford (Mr. St. Aubyn) said is correct, there has been an assault by Labour Members on another hon. Member. That is a matter not only for Madam Speaker but for the Serjeant at Arms, because a criminal offence has been committed in the House. I therefore ask you urgently to refer the matter to the Serjeant at Arms.
§ Mr. Deputy SpeakerThat was not a point of order.
§ Mr. Gerald Howarth (Aldershot)Further to that point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I was in the Lobby with my hon. Friend the Member for North Shropshire (Mr. Paterson), and I ask you—
§ Mr. Deputy SpeakerOrder. I will take no further points of order on that matter. I control what happens in the Chamber. I call the hon. Member for New Forest, West (Mr. Swayne) to present his petition.
§ Mr. HowarthOn a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker.
§ Mr. Deputy SpeakerI hope that it is not a repeat of what we have already had.
§ Mr. HowarthMadam Speaker is always telling hon. Members that she believes that her duty, first and foremost, is to protect the rights of hon. Members, and especially the rights of Back Benchers. I urge you, Mr. Deputy Speaker—
§ Mr. Deputy SpeakerOrder. I am in control of the situation in the Chamber. I have given a ruling on the matter that was raised, and it was a good ruling.