Points of Order

Simon Burns Excerpts

Tuesday 13th May 2014 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for his point of order, and I understand where he is coming from on the matter. It is not entirely fortuitous that he should raise this in the presence both of the Foreign Secretary and the Leader of the House. I say just two things in response. First, I am sure that he would be the first to acknowledge that the Foreign Secretary is absolutely fastidious about coming to the House when it is appropriate to do so, and he has always volunteered statements without any pressure being required to be applied to secure that outcome. Secondly, I rather agree that it would be good if we could have a more substantial debate on these matters. As he rightly says, with sadness—a sadness that I share—it is not in my hands; it is in the Government’s hands and I hope that it will happen sooner rather than later so that these matters can be explored in the detail and at the necessary length that are required.

[Mr Simon Burns (Chelmsford) (Con)]

Further to that point of order, Mr Speaker.

[Mr Speaker]

I am not sure that there is one, but, as I always operate according to my standards rather than those of the right hon. Gentleman, I will be generous to him. Let us hear from him and see whether he has anything worthwhile to raise.

[Mr Burns]

To paraphrase, I am most grateful, Mr Speaker. Will you confirm that the same problem arises with urgent questions, but the Government have no control over the choosing of them?