Points of Order

– in the House of Commons at 3:31 pm on 27 February 1991.

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Photo of Mr Timothy Devlin Mr Timothy Devlin , Stockton South 3:31, 27 February 1991

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Do you agree that, when we reached Question No. 10, which referred to Langbaurgh, Middlesbrough, Hartlepool, Stockton and North Tyneside, the reason that you were unable to call me to make a point about the extremely high-spending Labour councils was because no Labour Members——

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

Order. I cannot give an explanation of my discretion in these matters.

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

Order. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman would sit down for a minute. I can give no bonus points for the sort of behaviour in which he constantly indulges, but I shall hear him now.

Photo of Mr Tony Banks Mr Tony Banks , Newham North West

My point of order, Mr. Speaker, is that I wish to apologise to you for my outrageous behaviour in challenging your partiality in calling the hon. Member for Surbiton (Mr. Tracey) on a question about homelessness in Greater London. As you know and I know, the hon. Gentleman is the chair of the London group of Conservative Members of Parliament——

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

Order. As a matter of fact, I did not know that. However, I do know that the hon. Member for Surbiton (Mr. Tracey) represents a Greater London seat.

Photo of Mr Hugh Dykes Mr Hugh Dykes , Harrow East

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. With respect, I think that I was on my feet before the hon. Member for Newham, North-West (Mr. Banks)——

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

Order. That may be so, but I have discretion in these matters.

Photo of Mr Hugh Dykes Mr Hugh Dykes , Harrow East

Indeed, Mr. Speaker. Despite all your long years of distinguished service in the Speaker's Chair, were you not deeply shocked by the hysterical display of petulant anger when you called my hon. Friend the Member for Surbiton (Mr. Tracey)——

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

Order. I am frequently deeply shocked but I try not to show it.

Photo of Derek Conway Derek Conway , Shrewsbury and Atcham

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker—I thought that you might like a genuine one for a change. We have discussed before the closure of the side galleries following the demonstration by those opposed to the Gulf war. Now that feeling about the British position in the Gulf is perhaps less emotive among those opposed to it, will you reconsider the decision to close the galleries? That is especially important before Budget day, when there is so much pressure for seating. The officials in the Admission Order Office are helpful to hon. Members, but their hands are tied until the ruling is rescinded.

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

That matter is constantly under review. The House would expect me to take action to protect hon. Members, but I shall bear in mind what the hon. Gentleman has said.

Photo of Alan Williams Alan Williams , Swansea West

On a completely different and important point of order, Mr. Speaker. It has just been announced on Baghdad radio that Iraq is willing to abandon all claims to Kuwait, to discuss reparations and to release all prisoners of war as soon as a ceasefire is arranged. I realise that that is a preliminary announcement, and we are always dubious about what is said, but if that information proves valid, we might want a statement at 7 o'clock or later this evening. Can that be conveyed to the appropriate Minister?

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

I thank the right hon. Gentleman for having brought that welcome piece of news. I hope that it turns out to be true. I am sure that what he has said will have been heard by those on the Front Bench.