Points of Order

– in the House of Commons at 3:32 pm on 10 January 2006.

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Photo of Theresa May Theresa May Shadow Leader of the House of Commons 3:32, 10 January 2006

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. You have on several occasions made clear to this House the importance of Government Ministers making new policy announcements to this House before they do so to the media. Today, the Prime Minister and 16 Government Ministers have been around the country launching the Government's new policy on antisocial behaviour and the respect agenda. May I seek your guidance as to how we can ensure that in future the Prime Minister and members of the Government show the appropriate respect to this House; or are we to assume that there is nothing new in this policy announcement at all?

Photo of Michael Martin Michael Martin Chair, Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission, Speaker of the House of Commons, Chair, Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission

I do not know about that assumption. Let me say to the right hon. Lady that I understand that a written statement was supplied by the Home Secretary on this matter, so at least the Government have given us this information through one of their Ministers. I also say to the right hon. Lady that there is nothing to prevent her, as a member of the Opposition Front Bench, or any of her colleagues, from seeking an urgent question. I give no guarantee that it will be accepted, but that does not prevent her from doing so. In this case, I think that it is a draw.

Photo of Eric Forth Eric Forth Conservative, Bromley and Chislehurst

Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker. You must be aware that the document to which my right hon. Friend Mrs. May refers contains phrases such as, "we will legislate", "we will take targeted action", "we will expand", and "we will take a new approach". Surely, in a Government document, that is a clear indication of new policy, yet no Minister has had the courage to come here and be questioned on that policy. Written ministerial statements are not good enough—we want to question Ministers on new policies.

Photo of Michael Martin Michael Martin Chair, Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission, Speaker of the House of Commons, Chair, Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission

As I said to Mrs. May, there was an opportunity to table an urgent question. That can be borne in mind for a future occasion, when the right hon. Gentleman will have an opportunity to question Ministers as he sees fit.

Photo of Mark Prisk Mark Prisk Shadow Minister (Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform)

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I understand that part of the proposals on antisocial behaviour is of special concern to many constituents and colleagues in Hertfordshire. We have not had the opportunity to learn from the Prime Minister, who made the statement today, what the proposals are. Is it within your power to ask the Prime Minister to have respect for the House, come here and give us a chance to ask questions? I understand that the Prime Minister is asking for parents to have lessons in respect. Perhaps you should have the power to make the Prime Minister have respect for this place.

Photo of Michael Martin Michael Martin Chair, Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission, Speaker of the House of Commons, Chair, Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission

Obviously I have every respect for the House and I want that to continue. I stress to the hon. Gentleman that Prime Minister's questions are tomorrow, when hon. Members will have an opportunity to catch my eye and question the Prime Minister on the matter.