Questions to Ministers

– in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 17 December 1958.

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Photo of Mr Robert Mellish Mr Robert Mellish , Bermondsey 12:00, 17 December 1958

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. May I seek your help and guidance? Today, in the national Press, there has been published a letter relating to conditions in which our troops are living in Cyprus. The letter is from a warrant officer in charge of men out there and they bitterly complain of their conditions.

It was not possible for me to put a Question on the Order Paper; nor was it possible for me to ask a Private Notice Question. In view of the grave importance of this matter, and the fact that there is no more time available to us before the Recess, could you allow the Secretary of State for War, or the Under-Secretary of State, to give an assurance that the conditions which are complained of do not prevail?

Photo of Mr William Morrison Mr William Morrison , Cirencester and Tewkesbury

That would be entirely irregular. The hon. Member must give notice of his Question.

Photo of Mr Robert Mellish Mr Robert Mellish , Bermondsey

Further to that point of order. May I, then, give notice that I shall raise the matter the first thing in the morning?

Photo of Mr William Morrison Mr William Morrison , Cirencester and Tewkesbury

The hon. Member may give notice of a Private Notice Question tomorrow morning if he likes, but that is all he can do.