Points of Order

Lord Watts Excerpts

Thursday 1st July 2010 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

All I can say to the hon. Gentleman is that discussion of public policy is an ongoing process. It takes place all the time and Ministers can discuss policy issues in a variety of ways, including in speeches and exchanges outside the House. The crucial point is this. When a new policy is to be announced, it must be announced here first. All that I can say is that I will keep a beady eye on this matter, not merely on a weekly basis but on a daily basis.

[Mr Dave Watts (St Helens North) (Lab)]

On a point of order, Mr Speaker. Now that the Deputy Leader of the House has agreed to arrange for a debate on the Government’s policy on fairness, how do I find out when that debate will take place?

[Mr Speaker]

I think the answer to the hon. Gentleman’s point of order is that that is a matter for the Leader of the House and, in his absence, the Deputy Leader of the House. It is quite possible that a cosy chat will shortly ensue between the hon. Member for St Helens North (Mr Watts) and the Deputy Leader of the House.