Points of Order
1:01 pm
Jamie Reed (Copeland, Labour)
On a point of order, Mr Speaker. Yesterday, and again this morning, Health Ministers made a series of inaccurate statements. What powers exist under Standing Orders for you to ask them to return to the House and correct inaccurate figures on NHS budgets, delayed discharges and accident and emergency waiting times?
John Bercow (Speaker)
The short answer to the hon. Gentleman’s attempted point of order is that answers to questions are the responsibility of Ministers. Similarly, in the event of an inaccuracy known to the Minister, it is the Minister’s responsibility to correct the record. The hon. Gentleman is a determined and persistent chap, and I feel sure that he will pursue the path of righteousness to his satisfaction. If he remains dissatisfied, no doubt we shall hear from him again.
Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North, Labour)
On a point of order, Mr Speaker. In response to a question on
“there won’t be enough money to provide these services to anyone other than the most needy, or those who can afford to pay for all of their own care.”
In the interests of accuracy, will the Secretary of State correct the record?
John Bercow (Speaker)
I am sorry to disappoint the hon. Lady, but in material terms my reply does not differ in content from that which I just offered Mr Reed. It is, at least in part, a matter of interpretation. I said that the hon. Gentleman was a persistent chap, but she is a persistent woman, and I feel sure that she will pursue this matter in a way she judges fit.
I shall now call Mr Bone to make an application for leave to propose a debate on a specific and important matter that should have urgent consideration under the terms of