§ Angus Robertson (Moray) (SNP)On a point of order, Mr. Speaker, you will be aware that reports have emerged today that Scottish service personnel were sent into battle in Iraq without the necessary equipment to survive had Saddam Hussein decided to use chemical or biological weapons. He will also know that those reports are from not only observers but the regimental quartermaster of the Black Watch. Other senior military figures have gone further and have described the failure to supply soldiers with adequate nuclear, biological and chemical gear as "criminal". Surely those revelations warrant a statement, as it would be extraordinary for servicemen and women to be sent into conflict with an alleged high risk of nuclear, chemical or biological contamination. What options are open to Members to force the Government to make a full statement on those worrying reports?
§ Mr. SpeakerThe hon. Gentleman knows that I have the highest regard for the Black Watch, but the matter is not one for the Speaker. He knows that he can apply for an urgent question and can table written or oral questions at the appropriate time. I say to him and other Members that they have many options to pursue those matters, which are very important.