Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 4:29 pm on 28 October 1998.
Miss Betty Boothroyd
Speaker of the House of Commons
4:29,
28 October 1998
As the House is aware, I have no authority as far as Government statements are concerned. Ministers make statements when they consider it appropriate. As the House also knows, the procedures under extradition law and the circumstances of the case involving Senator Pinochet are very complex. I understand that an appeal is pending, but I have had no time to ascertain what the legal position is now, having been in the Chair since 2.30 pm. Until I have had an opportunity to reflect on the situation, I propose to regard the case as still sub judice.
I remind the House, as I did yesterday, that I do not make rules as I go along; I uphold the rules of the House. As soon as it is possible to do so, early-day motions that have been withdrawn from the Order Paper will be returned to it, and hon. Members will be able to question Ministers.
The order paper is issued daily and lists the business which will be dealt with during that day's sitting of the House of Commons.
It provides MPs with details of what will be happening in the House throughout the day.
It also gives details of when and where the standing committees and select committees of the Commons will be meeting.
Written questions tabled to ministers by MPs on the previous day are listed at the back of the order paper.
The order paper forms one section of the daily vote bundle and is issued by the Vote Office
