§ 4.6 pm
§ Mr. Tam Dalyell (Linlithgow)On a point of order, Madam Speaker. Through no fault of yours, we did not get to any question that related to the on-going bombing and humanitarian crisis in Iraq. It was no fault of yours that we did not reach Question 19. However, in view of this country possibly being, in effect, at war, should not there have been a statement as to exactly what the position is? Sooner or later, there will be a crisis of one form or another; possibly, heaven help us, a Tornado either malfunctioning or being shot down over Iraq, with consequences that are too awful to contemplate. Should not there be an opportunity for a report on the situation?
§ Madam SpeakerI regret very much that we were not able to reach Question 19 today; I had hoped that we could do so. As the hon. Gentleman says, that was the first question relating to Iraq, in which I know that he has an interest. I have not been informed that the Government are seeking to make any statement on the issue. No doubt those on the Government Front Bench will have heard the hon. Gentleman's point of order; he raised a similar one only yesterday. Perhaps they will make note of it, and report it to the appropriate Department.
§ Mr. Norman Baker (Lewes)On a point of order, Madam Speaker. The Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food is still in the Chamber. Could he confirm that Dr. Pusztai sent copies of his documentation—
§ Madam SpeakerOrder. That is not a point of order. I think that the hon. Gentleman is attempting to extend the PNQ. I know that he was trying to catch my eye; hard luck—try again some time.
§ Mr. Nicholas Soames (Mid-Sussex)Further to the point of order from the hon. Member for Linlithgow (Mr. Dalyell), Madam Speaker. May I associate myself with his remarks? As it appears that RAF aircraft have been in action regularly recently, would it not be sensible for the Secretary of State for Defence to do what he did earlier and write to all hon. Members, given there is no time for a statement ahead of the recess to tell them exactly where we stand?
§ Madam SpeakerThat is not a point of order, but a suggestion for the Secretary of State. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman might like to telephone the Secretary of State's office and put that point to him.