§ Mrs. Alice Mahon (Halifax)On a point of order, Mr. Speaker, of which I have given notice. You will have seen the media reports of the latest bombing blunder committed by the United States in Afghanistan. A group of civilians celebrating a wedding, including women and children, were bombed; dozens have been killed or injured. It is the fifth bombing incident since October that we know of in which the United States has bombed civilians with consequent loss of life.
Anger is growing at a strategy of waging war from 20.000 ft. It is threatening the fragile peace process, alienating many members of the coalition against terrorism, and it is simply a wrong strategy. Has either the Secretary of State for Defence or the Foreign Secretary indicated that they will make a statement on the latest tragedy?
§ Mr. Speaker:No approach has been made to me by any Minister on that matter.
§ Mr. Andrew Robathan (Blaby)On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. In May 2000, the then Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards ruled that a subject that I raised was not a matter for her. It was the Rent Acts (Maximum Fair Rent) Order 1999, issued by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions. It allows the Deputy Prime Minister to benefit now, by up to £15,000, from an order issued from his office. I seek your guidance. What further action can a Member of Parliament take when a Minister changes the rules in a manner that benefits him personally?
§ Mr. SpeakerI cannot advise the hon. Gentleman on how he can raise such matters. It is up to him to acquire some expertise in that respect. He has raised this matter on several occasions under the terms of a point of order, but I cannot help him.