BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE

HC Deb 08 December 1999 vol 340 cc960-1

Motion made, and Question put, That, at the sitting on Thursday 16th December, the Speaker shall not adjourn the House until any messages from the Lords shall have been received.—[Mr. Jamieson.]

Hon. Members

Object.

Mr. Deputy Speaker

I call the hon. Member for Angus (Mr. Welsh) to present a petition.

Mr. Andrew Welsh (Angus)

rose—

Mr. Jack

rose—

Mr. Deputy Speaker

Order. I have explained—[Interruption.] Order. I have explained my position, and I hope that the right hon. Gentleman is not going to pursue a matter on which I have already ruled.

Mr. Jack

On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I seek clarification. When my right hon. Friend the Member for North-West Hampshire (Sir G. Young) made a point of order from the Dispatch Box, the Leader of the House was able, in a subsequent point of order, to respond. Given my concern about the issue that other right hon. and hon. Members have raised about the beef ban, would it be in order for the Minister of Agriculture, who is in the Chamber this evening, to respond, if he so wished, to my concern and that of other right hon. and hon. Members? [Interruption.]

Mr. Deputy Speaker

Order. [Interruption.] Order, I am calling for order. The business before us is a petition. I call the hon. Member for Angus.