§ Miss Anne McIntosh (Vale of York)On a point of order, Madam Speaker. Last Thursday, the Government made an announcement by answer to a written question, but it had been trailed to the press that morning. The announcement, which was of great concern to people living in the Vale of York and elsewhere in North Yorkshire, was that the Government have allowed National Grid's proposal to transport electricity by pylon through the Vale of York and elsewhere in North Yorkshire. Is it proper to release such an announcement to the press, and for the constituency Member of Parliament to hear about it in telephone calls from the press? If so, how can a Back Bencher hold the Government to account and represent the interests of constituents?
§ Madam SpeakerIt has been the custom of all Governments to issue such statements by written question. Indeed, the hon. Lady made the point that this announcement was made in such a way.
§ Madam SpeakerOrder. I have not finished speaking.
As for accountability to the House, I remind the hon. Lady that she has just had an opportunity to question the Prime Minister about it. She had a specific question about her constituency, the Vale of York, to the Prime Minister, and she had the perfect opportunity to hold the Government accountable for their actions.
§ Sir Peter TapsellOn a point of order, Madam Speaker. You will have heard the Prime Minister boasting a few minutes ago that his chief information officer does a good job in attacking the Conservative party. If I am right in thinking that the chief information officer at No. 10 is a civil servant, is it not most improper for the Prime Minister to encourage a civil servant to behave in a way that deserves to be disciplined by the head of the civil service?
§ Madam SpeakerIt is not a matter for me, and I am not responsible for ministerial answers.