Mr Andrew Faulds: If all this is in the general interest of taxpayers, how does it equate with an efficient and universal parcel delivery service?
Mr Andrew Faulds: As usual, my question will be brief and pithy. If these stringent voluntary advertising agreements with the tobacco industry are so effective, why is that industry now targeting young women through women's magazines, with the result that the number of young women who smoke is rising? Would not the health and lives of thousands of young women be saved if these voluntary agreements were even...
Mr Andrew Faulds: Thank you, Madam Speaker. This is the second time that I have been called this Parliament, and I am delighted and grateful. In view of recent events, in view of the fact that the Press Commission under Lord McGregor of Durris, with its self-regulatory code, is proving less efficient than its predecessor the Press Council, and in view of the fact that the trial term of the Press Commission is...
Mr Andrew Faulds: Will the Leader of the House accept that there will be general pleasure that there will be an opportunity tomorrow to discuss the problems of endangered species? But does the right hon. Gentleman share my view that the dodos who have been on parade this afternoon do not represent either the majority view of the House of Commons or, indeed, the British people?
Mr Andrew Faulds: As usual, I rise with some diffidence in your presence, Mr. Speaker, because I feel that I have to express my great admiration for the way in which you have conducted your unique office over the past eight or nine years. You and I have had a number of clashes, and I have always been wrong—I absolutely accept that—but all those exchanges have ended in happy and felicitous comments between...
Mr Andrew Faulds: I do not want a vote taken on that. Speakers come in all qualities. You have sat under some of lesser quality, and we have sat under one or two whom I could name, but who shall remain anonymous—I cannot do accents very well anyway—and who were less than admirable. You have been a remarkably fair, friendly and —if I may use such an improper expression—lovable Speaker. I want to thank...
Mr Andrew Faulds: Although the right hon. Gentleman will not much longer be responsible for these matters, will he set in train the process of a re-examination of the taking of points of order? Is he aware that, in the old days, when I came into the House, points of order were taken the moment they arose? Is he aware that the present practice of delaying points of order is yet another result of the deleterious...
Mr Andrew Faulds: rose—
Mr Andrew Faulds: On a point of order, Mr. Speaker.
Mr Andrew Faulds: rose—
Mr Andrew Faulds: Is it not simpler and more constructive for the Government to create an economic climate in which jobs are available for the majority of the young men we have been discussing this afternoon?
Mr Andrew Faulds: If employers fail to enhance the skills and training of the work force, what claim will the work force have against employers for such loss?
Mr Andrew Faulds: On a point of order, Mr. Speaker.
Mr Andrew Faulds: My point of order is simple: have you, Mr. Speaker, no control at all over the misuse of the Government Front Bench that occurs when the nastiest man in Government abuses it every time he appears at the Dispatch Box?
Mr Andrew Faulds: Of course I withdraw the word, but the fact still applies. [Interruption.]
Mr Andrew Faulds: On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. If, in your judgment, Sir, a question is out of order, how can it be in order for the Prime Minister to have a response?
Mr Andrew Faulds: Why did the Prime Minister not have the courtesy to respond to a pre-Christmas appeal by Church leaders that he should make a statement—[interruption.]
Mr Andrew Faulds: rose—[interruption]
Mr Andrew Faulds: rose—[Interruption.]
Mr Andrew Faulds: Hon. Members seem embarrassed by good works. Why did the Prime Minister not have the courtesy to respond to a pre-Christmas appeal by Church leaders for him to make a statement urging stores not to break the Sunday trading laws? Did he simply lack the moral courage?