Point of Order

– in the House of Commons at 3:30 pm on 12 February 2001.

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Photo of Angela Browning Angela Browning Shadow Leader of the House of Commons 3:30, 12 February 2001

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Is it not against the Standing Orders and procedures of the House that on a day allocated for Opposition time, the Government should make a non-essential statement, particularly when the contents of that statement have been trailed all weekend in the media?

Photo of Michael Martin Michael Martin Speaker of the House of Commons

I understand the hon. Lady's concern, but the statement is not against the procedures of the House. The Minister is entitled to make a statement before the House.

Photo of Michael Martin Michael Martin Speaker of the House of Commons

It must be a point of order relating to the statement; otherwise I will take it after the statement.

Photo of Eric Forth Eric Forth Conservative, Bromley and Chislehurst

Further to the original point of order, Mr. Speaker. Will you advise the House whether you have any discretion as to whether to allow a statement to be made? The Minister should ask your permission to make a statement, and the request should be judged not least by whether the statement is genuinely urgent, particularly on a day that is supposed to be allocated to the Opposition as a Supply day. Do you accept that in order to protect the House, there must be an element of discretion? We cannot be ruled and dictated to by Ministers.

Photo of Michael Martin Michael Martin Speaker of the House of Commons

I have stated that the Minister is entitled to come before the House and make a statement.

Photo of Dennis Skinner Dennis Skinner Member, Labour Party National Executive Committee

Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker. As both Speaker and Deputy Speaker, do you recollect that almost every week since 1997, the Tory Opposition have demanded a statement from the Government on this, that and the other? I have never heard so much hypocrisy in my life.