Questions to Ministers

– in the House of Commons at 4:29 pm on 31 March 1998.

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Photo of Norman Baker Norman Baker Shadow Spokesperson (Culture, Media and Sport), Shadow Spokesperson (Culture, Media and Sport), Shadow Spokesperson (Environment, Food and Rural Affairs), Shadow Spokesperson (Transport) 4:29, 31 March 1998

On a point of order, Madam Speaker. I refer to a matter that arises from a written answer that was given to me, which appears in column 378 of yesterday's Hansard. It is a reply from the Prime Minister to a simple question, which was: who initiated the recent telephone conversation between him and the Italian Premier, Romano Prodi"—[Official Report, 30 March 1998; Vol. 309, c. 378.] concerning Mr. Rupert Murdoch? The Prime Minister refuses to answer that question in clear terms in his response.

The point of order for you, Madam Speaker, is whether it is in order for the Prime Minister to refuse to give a straight answer to my question when his spin doctors outside the House are allegedly giving straight answers to the question. Why is it not possible for an answer to be given that appears on the record in the House? Is it because the answer would be different from that given outside?

Photo of Miss Betty Boothroyd Miss Betty Boothroyd Speaker of the House of Commons

The hon. Gentleman is well aware that the Speaker is not responsible for answers given by Ministers.