European Council

John Bercow Excerpts

Thursday 26th January 2012 Commons Chamber

Topical debate

[Mr Speaker]

I remind the House that there is a time limit on Back-Bench speeches, which is subject to review.

[Natascha Engel (North East Derbyshire) (Lab)]

I beg to move,

That this House has considered the matter of the European Council.

I would like to take this opportunity briefly to mention to this self-selecting group of Members in the Chamber who are taking an interest in EU Council debates that the Backbench Business Committee now has such debates within its remit. In future, therefore, when Members want to have such a debate before the EU Council meets, they should come to the Backbench Business Committee. I will leave it at that.

[Mr Speaker]

I apologise: I ought to have explained that the time limit on Back-Bench speeches is eight minutes.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Gareth Thomas (Harrow West) (Lab/Co-op)]

On a point of order, Mr Speaker. I apologise for interrupting the debate, but my attention has been drawn to media reports about the future of RAF Northolt, which is next to my constituency. Apparently, there might be Government plans to develop RAF Northolt as an alternative to the Boris island airport, or as a satellite terminal for Heathrow. That is potentially of huge concern to my constituents, and I wonder whether you have received a statement from the Government setting out their real thinking.

[Mr Speaker]

I have received no indication from the Government of their intentions on this matter, but I have a hunch that the hon. Gentleman will pursue the issue doggedly and tenaciously.