HC Deb 15 July 1997 vol 298 cc195-7 3.30 pm
Mr. Ken Maginnis (Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

On a point of order, Madam Speaker. I should like to draw this matter to your attention. The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland made a statement on Radio Ulster's "Talkback" programme yesterday, which conflicts with specific assurances given to the House on 30 June—I refer specifically to columns 62 and 63 of the Official Report.

Has the Secretary of State indicated to you, Madam Speaker, whether she intends to come to the House to explain why assurances given here on 30 June were either inaccurate or misleading? Furthermore, has she indicated any intention to come to the House to inform hon. Members why policy relating to Government contact with Sinn Fein-IRA, as defined by the Prime Minister after the murder of two RUC officers in Lurgan on 16 June, has been substantially changed, and why contacts are again taking place? If she has not, would you consider it incumbent upon her to do so?

Mr. Douglas Hogg (Sleaford and North Hykeham)

Further to that point of order, Madam Speaker. Is it not clear from what the hon. Gentleman just said that either the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland was wrong when she made her statement to the House, or there has been a change of policy since she made her statement? In those circumstances, should she not come to the House to make a personal statement to explain a possible error, or explain why there has been a change of policy?

Mr. Kevin McNamara (Hull, North)

Further to that point of order, Madam Speaker. Are you not aware that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has in fact made a statement explaining the situation; that she is seeking to clarify the Government's position with regard to the talks process; and that all right-thinking people in this country would welcome any steps that are being taken to try to get Sinn Fein-IRA to enter into the peace process and give up the use of violence?

Madam Speaker

This is not a matter for me, but I can tell the hon. Member for Fermanagh and South Tyrone (Mr. Maginnis) that I am not aware that the Secretary of State is seeking to make a statement in the House. I understand that the Secretary of State has already written to the hon. Gentleman on this matter, and that a copy of her letter is in the Library of the House.

Mr. Ian Bruce (South Dorset)

On a point of order, Madam Speaker. We heard today, during Scottish questions, that the White Paper on Scottish devolution will be issued on 24 July. I know that you, as guardian of the rights of Back Benchers, will have noted that there will not be another Scottish Question Time before the summer recess.

I am sure that the whole House is concerned that the White Paper will be produced with no assurance that there will be a statement in the House—we have seen again that Ministers do not come to the House to make statements any more, and I am glad that the Leader of the House is in her place—and no absolute assurance that we shall have a full debate. The people of Scotland will have to vote on the White Paper without their parliamentary representatives having had any chance to comment on it.

Madam Speaker

The hon. Gentleman may seek to catch my eye on Thursday, to ask the Leader of the House whether a debate will follow the publication of the White Paper.

Mr. Hogg

Further to that self-same point of order, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker

No. I shall take no further points of order.

Mr. Hogg

Further to that point of order, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker

I have answered that point of order. The hon. Member for South Dorset (Mr. Bruce) asked whether a debate would follow the publication of the White Paper—

Mr. Hogg

rose—

Madam Speaker

Order. I am on my feet. It is incumbent upon hon. Members to put such a question to the Leader of the House when she is answering questions about next week's business.

Mr. Hogg

Mine is a related point of order, Madam Speaker, but it is a point of order to you.

Madam Speaker

Order. The right hon. and learned Gentleman obviously does not understand. He has been in government for a long time. Once I have responded to a point of order, I do not take further points of order. That is why I allowed a number of points of order on the first point of order.

Mr. Hogg

I was putting a related point of order, Madam Speaker, which goes to the possibility of a statement. It is clearly the will of the House that we should have an opportunity to explore the White Paper before the full debate. One way to address that point is for an oral statement to accompany the publication of the White Paper. That will give the Government an opportunity to develop their thinking and right hon. and hon. Members an opportunity to explore that thinking.

Madam Speaker

I am sure that those on the Treasury Bench has taken note of the right hon. and learned Gentleman's suggestion.

Mr. Dale Campbell-Savours (Workington)

On a different point of order, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker

Good.

Mr. Campbell-Savours

You will be aware, Madam Speaker, of the annunciator screens around the House. In the old days, one look would reveal the nature of questions, statements or private notice questions, and the time. It now takes 75 seconds to establish from different frames the date, the nature of statements and private notice questions, the grouping of questions and the time. The screens even refer now to faults on the equipment. Can we revert to the old system whereby the annunciator screen required only one glimpse, thereby saving time?

Madam Speaker

Perhaps we have too much business for the annunciator screen to cope with. I sometimes think so.