§ Mr. Ronnie Campbell (Blyth Valley)On a point of order, Madam Speaker. Have you received any representation from a Department of Trade and Industry Minister regarding the pit closure? Is there any way in which we can get a Minister to the Dispatch Box through you?
§ Madam SpeakerI have not been informed by a Minister that he wants to make a statement, but the right hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed (Mr. Beith) and others know their way around the House and will know how to pursue the matter.
§ Mr. Edward Garnier (Harborough)On a point of order, Madam Speaker. Before I make my point of order, I refer you to my relevant entry in the Register of Members' Interests.
Since the Bernie Ecclestone affair, in which the Labour party had to return the £1 million that he paid it not to ban tobacco advertising, the Government's policy on the ban has been somewhat confused. Irrespective of the merits of the Government's arguments in favour of a ban, is it in order for Ministers and their supporters to abuse the courts for making decisions that they find politically inconvenient? The Government are entitled to their opinion on tobacco advertising and smoking; I agree that smoking is a danger to health. They are also entitled to appeal the decision made on Friday to stay their ban on advertising. However, are they entitled to resort to abusing the courts? Secondly, have you had a request from the Secretary of State for permission to make a statement explaining why the Government felt it appropriate to make those remarks, as opposed to arguing their case on appeal?
§ Madam SpeakerAs the hon. and learned Gentleman understands, the Speaker has no jurisdiction over comments made outside the House. I have enough responsibilities for comments made in the House, let alone those made outside. In answer to the hon. and learned Gentleman's second question, I have to inform him that I have had no request for any Minister to make a statement.