Points of Order

– in the House of Commons at 4:44 pm on 8 March 1989.

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Photo of John Prescott John Prescott Shadow Secretary of State, Shadow Secretary of State for Transport 4:44, 8 March 1989

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Have you received a request from the Government or the Secretary of State for Transport to make a statement, in view of today's announcement by British Rail on the Channel tunnel? It makes it clear that an extra £1 billion will be required to meet problems in Kent. That clearly transfers the matter from a private Bill procedure to a public investment, which means public accountability. It is quite deplorable that we have had no statement from the Government. This matter affects not only the people of Kent but everybody in all parts of the United Kingdom.

Photo of Mr Bernard Weatherill Mr Bernard Weatherill , Croydon North East

I have had no such request today. I understand that the statement was only made at 3.30.

Photo of Mrs Alice Mahon Mrs Alice Mahon , Halifax

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Since you are the final arbiter on questions that are tabled in the Table Office, could you give me some assistance as to why part of a question that I tabled has been refused? I—

Photo of Mr Bernard Weatherill Mr Bernard Weatherill , Croydon North East

Order. May I stop the hon. Lady there? I have not had an opportunity of looking at this question and I am afraid that I know nothing about it. Will she please allow me to do so before she raises a point of order on the matter?

Photo of Mr Bernard Weatherill Mr Bernard Weatherill , Croydon North East

Order. It cannot be raised now. Let me look into it, please.

Photo of Jeremy Corbyn Jeremy Corbyn , Islington North

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Have you received any request from the Secretary of State for Health to introduce regulations into the House to ensure that those people who are seeking to make claims from his Department to enable them to travel to visit sick relatives can have their claims properly dealt with rather than held up in a queue of 10,000 in the offices in Newcastle?

Photo of Mr Bernard Weatherill Mr Bernard Weatherill , Croydon North East

I have not had such a request.