Points of Order

Theresa May Excerpts

Monday 19th March 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

I understand the very great strength of feeling on this matter, but I have ruled on the point of order. I respect the seniority and service of the right hon. Gentleman.

[The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mrs Theresa May)]

rose—

[Mr Speaker]

If the Home Secretary wishes to oblige, that is exceptionally obliging of her.

[Mrs May]

I do not intend to respond to the point made by the right hon. Member for Knowsley (Mr Howarth), but I think it would benefit the House if I made it clear that a leak inquiry has been initiated by the Cabinet Office. I share the concern expressed by the hon. Member for Liverpool, Walton (Steve Rotheram) in his point of order about the impact that a leak of this sort will have on what is a very sensitive matter in the context of ensuring that the full information is put together by the Hillsborough panel, and I believe that the information in any documents should be shown to the families first and should not be leaked to the press in any form. I repeat that the Cabinet Office is undertaking a leak inquiry.

[Mr Speaker]

That was both helpful and courteous of the Home Secretary, and the House is immensely grateful to her.