§ Mr. Graham Allen (Nottingham, North) (Lab)On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. It is clear from the newspapers this morning that the press were informed last night—well before Parliament was informed today, and I have not yet been informed—of the decision to rate-cap certain authorities. May I ask you to underline the strictures that we have heard from you before—that the House should be informed of those matters, so that the Members of Parliament who represent those constituencies can, even at the last minute, make representations to Ministers, rather than being pre-empted by briefings given to the press the day before?
§ Mr. Deputy Speaker (Sir Alan Haselhurst)I think that Mr. Speaker has great sympathy with hon. Members who find themselves in that position, but I venture to suggest that such matters may involve difficult questions of timing. The hon. Gentleman has put his point on the record, and no doubt Ministers will consider what he has said.
§ Alan Simpson (Nottingham, South) (Lab)Further to that point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. May I ask you to consider the fact that before today's business questions Members were not able to get the written statement on rate capping that was issued at 10 am today? I was able to obtain it only by getting a copy from the Library. No copies were made available for Members through the Vote Office before business questions.
§ Mr. Deputy SpeakerThe hon. Gentleman has reinforced the point made by the hon. Member for Nottingham, North (Mr. Allen), and I am sure that the matter will be examined.
§ Mr. Paul Tyler (North Cornwall) (LD)On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. We have been told that the Butler inquiry report is expected to be published next Wednesday and that the Prime Minister will make a statement thereafter. Not necessarily today, but in due course and perhaps early next week, can you give some indication of the likely timetable for that? It is an extremely important issue about which many Members will be concerned. If the statement is not immediately to follow Prime Minister's questions, which I understand may be the case, it would be helpful if, on Monday, Tuesday or whenever, the Chair could indicate when the statement is expected to be made.
§ Mr. Deputy SpeakerI will ensure that the hon. Gentleman's point is brought to the attention of Mr. Speaker. There may also be activity in the same direction through the usual channels.