HC Deb 22 July 1997 vol 298 cc779-80 4.45 pm
Mr. Ian Bruce (South Dorset)

On a point of order, Madam Speaker. I apologise to you, and thank you for calling me during questions on the Welsh statement. I left the Chamber during the statement to get a copy of that statement, which became available to hon. Members as the Secretary of State rose.

I consulted the White Paper, and asked a question which, because of the way in which it was framed, the Secretary of State answered with the words "yes, yes and yes". Hon. Members asked many questions about the White Paper that could be answered simply by reading that document. Hon. Members often do not have the paperwork to which our constituents assume we would have access.

Would it not be simpler to make the papers available five minutes before a statement is delivered, or allow attendants to bring the papers into the House? We could then see what is being said, and perhaps matters could progress faster.

Madam Speaker

It is for the Secretary of State to determine what papers will be made available. The hon. Member for South Dorset (Mr. Bruce) is an experienced parliamentarian, and I think that he made the point himself: hon. Members did not question the White Paper today. We will debate that document later. Today, we questioned the statement that was made by the Secretary of State. Therefore, the hon. Gentleman had no reason to leave the Chamber to get a copy of the White Paper, which will be debated in a few days' time.

Mr. Laurence Robertson (Tewkesbury)

On a point of order, Madam Speaker. Does the Secretary of State for Wales understand hon. Members' concern about his declaration that Parliament will remain sovereign but will not have the opportunity to question someone who supposedly represents Wales—the Secretary of State—because the Assembly will seemingly have sovereign powers in Wales?

Madam Speaker

That is not a point of order for me: it is a point of argument. When we debate the White Paper, perhaps I shall call the hon. Gentleman and he might put those questions to Government Front Benchers.

Mr. Tim Collins (Westmorland and Lonsdale)

On a point of order, Madam Speaker. Can you provide some guidance as to the normal seating arrangements in this place? I know that you gave a ruling on that subject a few weeks ago. I understand that hon. Members who support the governing party sit on the Government side of the House. Given that the leader of the Liberal Democrats has joined the Cabinet Committee, should not Liberal Democrat Members sit with Government Members?

Madam Speaker

Hon. Members may sit where they think they will be most comfortable.

Ann Clwyd (Cynon Valley)

On a point of order, Madam Speaker. I am sorry to try your patience yet again, but, before I apply for an Adjournment debate on the matter of the arms trade with Indonesia, I wonder whether you have any information as to whether the Government intend to make a statement on what appears to be a change of policy regarding the arms trade with that country.

Madam Speaker

I must disappoint the hon. Member. No, I have not been informed by the Government that they are seeking to make a statement on that matter—although I heard the hon. Lady on the radio at 1 o'clock this afternoon.