Points of Order Debate

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Fiona O'Donnell

Main Page: Fiona O'Donnell (Labour - East Lothian)
Tuesday 27th March 2012

(12 years, 7 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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The answer to both the hon. Gentleman’s inquiries is no, but he has placed his concerns on the record.

Fiona O'Donnell Portrait Fiona O'Donnell (East Lothian) (Lab)
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On a point of order, Mr Speaker. This House, business and environmental organisations have been waiting for a statement from the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs since last autumn on mandatory carbon reporting. We read in the Financial Times this morning that the Government have abandoned their commitment to MCR. We also learn that Michael Hintze, a well known climate change sceptic and funder of Lord Lawson’s climate think-tank, was one of the Tory donors who had dinner at No. 10 with the Prime Minister. Surely Members of this House should have had the opportunity to question the Secretary of State about the further delay in the Government making a statement. There has been no written ministerial statement or oral statement, and a report has only just been laid in the Table Office. I would appreciate your guidance, Mr Speaker; otherwise Members of this House will be left wondering what this Secretary of State has to hide.

John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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Those on the Front Bench will have heard what the hon. Lady has to say. She will know—and the House can testify—that I attach great importance to Ministers making statements of new policy to the House, but statements arise when—[Interruption.] Order. I do not require any assistance. [Interruption.] Order. Such statements arise when, and only when, there is a new policy to announce. There is not a matter that engages the Chair today, but the hon. Lady has placed her concerns on the record, and I thank her for doing so.