§ Mr. John Gummer(Con) (Suffolk, Coastal)On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. You will have seen on the front page of The Times today an authoritative report that the Deputy Prime Minister has decided to take planning powers away from local authorities in making decisions about planning in rural areas. Have you had any request from the Deputy Prime Minister to make this statement to the House rather than leaking it to the press?
§ Mr. SpeakerThe Deputy Prime Minister has not been in touch with me [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh!"] I see no reason why the Deputy Prime Minister should be in touch. It is up to him whether he wishes to make a statement on these matters.