HC Deb 18 November 2002 vol 394 cc383-4 4.31 pm
Mr. George Foulkes (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley)

As you are aware, Mr. Speaker, question 6, from the hon. Member for Perth (Annabelle Ewing), was withdrawn earlier today, even though it was tabled only last Wednesday. Also, no Scottish National party MPs were present during the very important statement on pensions and benefits. Will you inquire into both those points, and ask why there has been such a lack of participation? Many of us from Scotland believe that they are only part-time Members.

Mr. Speaker

The right hon. Gentleman knows that I will not inquire into these matters.

Andrew Selous (South-West Bedfordshire)

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. In view of today's widespread publicity of allegations that the Government blocked an offer to the firefighters in the summer, will you tell the House whether the Deputy Prime Minister has indicated to you that he might wish to come to the House to comment on his statement of 22 October? In it, he said: I did not interfere in any way with the firefighters' negotiations." —[Official Report, 22 October 2002; Vol. 391, c. 129.]

Mr. Speaker

I think that the Deputy Prime Minister is busily involved in negotiations.

Mr. Gary Streeter (South-West Devon)

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. At the weekend, there was an alarming breach of security at the naval base in Devonport, Plymouth, when two untrained amateurs were able to gain access to the base and clamber all over a nuclear submarine. Given that we are supposed to be in a heightened state of security, may I ask whether you have received an indication from the Secretary of State for Defence that he wants to make a statement to this House today about this awful breach of security, and to reassure the people of Plymouth that security will be upgraded and that such an incident will not occur again?

Mr. Speaker

That is not a matter for the Chair.

Mr. Simon Thomas (Ceredigion)

Further to the point of order raised by the right hon. Member for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley (Mr. Foulkes), Mr. Speaker, will you bear in mind—as I am sure you will—our discussions with your office about the establishment of a joint SNP-Plaid Cymru parliamentary group, the fourth largest parliamentary grouping in this House, and the fact that members of Plaid Cymru can speak on behalf of SNP members as well? [Interruption.]

Mr. Speaker

Order. I am just about to tell the hon. Gentleman that that is not a point of order or a matter for me.