Points of Order

Angus Brendan MacNeil Excerpts

Tuesday 18th January 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

No. I have had no indication of an intention by a Minister to make a statement. If the hon. Gentleman is dissatisfied and he thinks that a procedural impropriety has taken place, first he may find other means through the Order Paper to pursue his concerns and to air his grievances; secondly, he might want to draw the matter to the attention of the Procedure Committee, which is looking into issues of this kind.

[Mr Angus Brendan MacNeil (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (SNP)]

On a point of order, Mr Speaker. Today we were told through the media that there would be no movement on a rural fuel derogation, which would have taken 5p off a litre in certain areas. In my Hebridean constituency, people have paid up to £1.45 a litre, which includes the recent, quickly implemented, VAT rise.

Only 100 days ago, the Chief Secretary to the Treasury told a Lib Dem conference that

“I can announce to you today that with my approval, Treasury officials have started the process of engaging with the European Commission on our detailed plans”.

Can we have these announcements in Parliament, and get the relevant Treasury Minister to the Dispatch Box, so that we have a full and clear picture of what this Government are doing and a timetable set out, so that they do not shilly-shally for four years like the previous Labour Government?

[Mr Speaker]

The hon. Gentleman has made his point with great force, but it is not a point of order for the Chair. I will leave it there today.