§ 2.7 pm
§ Mr. Tam Dalyell (Linlithgow)On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker, of which I gave Mr. Speaker notice this morning. Whatever the rights and wrongs of a prime ministerial statement to the press, it is a new departure and a serious matter for the House, as Mr. Speaker repeatedly says that statements should first of all be made to the House of Commons. This is a complex subject. I am not saying that the Prime Minister is wrong; I am saying that what has been done is a significant departure. Will Mr. Speaker consider making a statement on Monday on the whole issue of whether announcements should first be made to the House? It is not a matter of the House's amour propre; if statements are not made to the House, there are many constitutional implications. If there is a misunderstanding, it should be—
§ Madam Deputy Speaker (Sylvia Heal)Order. I think that I understand the point that the hon. Gentleman is making. No doubt the Prime Minister will have had in mind the importance of first of all informing the House of major policy developments.
§ Mr. Christopher Chope (Christchurch)On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. On 10 June, the Foreign Secretary told the House:
So far as I am aware, no applications have been blocked."—[Official Report, 10 June 2002; Vol. 386, c. 155.]He was referring to applications for arms exports to India. Is it possible to ensure that on Monday, when the Export Control Bill is debated, there is a statement clarifying Government policy on exports to India? Small firms in my constituency are finding that their exports are being blocked while those of larger firms are not.
§ Madam Deputy SpeakerThat point of order is not a matter for the Chair. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman can raise it with the appropriate Minister at a later date.