§ Mr. Richard Spring (West Suffolk) (Con)On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Has the Foreign Secretary given you notice of his intention to come to the House to make a statement about his White Paper on a strategy for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, as foreshadowed in his remarks in the House last week? Is it not ironic and shameful that, in the very week that the big conversation was launched, the same facility was not extended to Members of the House? Considering the vital importance of Britain's foreign policy, do you agree that simply issuing a written statement is gratuitously insensitive and offensive to Parliament and to the skill and dedication of our diplomats abroad?
§ Mr. SpeakerThe hon. Gentleman rightly noted that there was a debate last Thursday, which was opened by the Home Secretary. Therefore, what has been done today does not constitute a breach of the rules of the House.