Points of Order

– in the House of Commons am 3:53 pm ar 11 Chwefror 1991.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Gwyneth Dunwoody Gwyneth Dunwoody , Crewe and Nantwich 3:53, 11 Chwefror 1991

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. The Leader of the House said on television yesterday that the reason why there had been problems in European Standing Committee A was that some Members of Parliament held views on Europe that are contrary to his. That was the second time that that allegation had been made, and hon. Members who volunteered to serve on that Committee deeply resent the suggestion that, because the Government brought before it documents that they had already accepted and voted on, members of the Committee were wrong to challenge what they said. I hope that he will apologise.

Photo of Mr Bernard Weatherill Mr Bernard Weatherill , Croydon North East

Sadly, I was not chairing that television performance, so I do not know what went on. However, I am sure that what the hon. Lady has said will be passed on to the Leader of the House.

Photo of Mr Robert Hughes Mr Robert Hughes , Harrow West

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker.

Photo of Mr Bernard Weatherill Mr Bernard Weatherill , Croydon North East

Is it a different point of order?

Photo of Mr Robert Hughes Mr Robert Hughes , Harrow West

Yes, Mr. Speaker. There has been a recent revelation about what can only be described as a sinister dining club which is inhabited by some hon. Members—

Photo of Mr Bernard Weatherill Mr Bernard Weatherill , Croydon North East

Order. I do not belong to any sinister dining clubs.

Photo of Mr Bernard Weatherill Mr Bernard Weatherill , Croydon North East

Order. I have a dinner tonight, but I am certainly not responsible for any sinister dining club.

Photo of Mr Robert Hughes Mr Robert Hughes , Harrow West

I am delighted to hear, Mr. Speaker, that you are not a member of any sinister dining club. That is extremely reassuring, because I think that this is a matter for you. This sinister dining club seems to have some influence on Labour party policy. If that is not the case, I wonder whether you could refer this matter to the Committee on the Register of Members' Interests.

Photo of Mr Bernard Weatherill Mr Bernard Weatherill , Croydon North East

It is quite clear that that is way beyond my responsibility, as was the point of order by the hon. Member for Crewe and Nantwich (Mrs. Dunwoody).

Photo of Mr Robert Hughes Mr Robert Hughes , Harrow West

Further to that point of order.

Photo of Mr Bernard Weatherill Mr Bernard Weatherill , Croydon North East

I hope that it is a point of order that I can deal with.

Photo of Mr Robert Hughes Mr Robert Hughes , Aberdeen North

As you have the protection of Back-Benchers very much in mind, Mr. Speaker, can you do something to stop the hon. Member for Harrow, West (Mr. Hughes) bringing the family name into disrepute?

Photo of Mr Brian Wilson Mr Brian Wilson , Cunninghame North

On a point of order Mr. Speaker. In the light of what we have heard today, could you give us some guidance about planted questions at Prime Minister's Question Time, and prime ministerial responses? What we have heard today shows that there was a planted question last Thursday and an utterly misleading—

Photo of Mr Bernard Weatherill Mr Bernard Weatherill , Croydon North East

Order. I cannot accept that. I have heard the term, but I do not know anything about it.

Photo of Mr Bernard Weatherill Mr Bernard Weatherill , Croydon North East

We must get on with the Bill.

Photo of Mr Kenneth Hind Mr Kenneth Hind , West Lancashire

The question that was asked was asked by the Father of the House and, if I remember correctly, it was a supplementary. It did not appear on the Order Paper. The hon. Member for Cunninghame, North (Mr. Wilson) has uttered a calumny against the Father of the House, and he should withdraw his allegation.

Several hon. Members:

rose

Photo of Mr Bernard Weatherill Mr Bernard Weatherill , Croydon North East

Order. No, it is nothing to do with me.