Point of Order

Lindsay Hoyle Excerpts

Wednesday 11th November 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Roger Gale (Herne Bay and Sandwich) (Con)]

On a point of order, Mr Speaker. I wish to utilise a rare device, which is a point of order that I believe is genuinely a matter for the Chair. Some weeks ago, the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero issued a determination on a development consent order based upon what I believe to be false figures supplied by the National Grid to the Planning Inspectorate. I raised that as a named day question, to be answered on the fourth of this month. That answer was finally provided on Monday of this week, many days late. There usually is a very good reason that Members table named day questions, as in this case, and it is that they want an answer on that named day. Mr Speaker, can you use your good offices to ensure that when Members table named day questions, they receive the courtesy of a proper and timely response?

[Mr Speaker]

I know how important this matter is to the right hon. Member, his constituents and other constituencies around his, so I am very disappointed. I hope the Treasury Bench have heard the comments, and I will be taking this up with the Leader of the House. It is not acceptable. MPs are elected to serve their constituents. When they put in or ask a question, it should be answered in good time. With a named day question, it should be answered, as in its title, by that named day.

[Sir Julian Lewis (New Forest East) (Con)]

rose—

[Mr Speaker]

We are not going to continue the argument. That is not the best thing to do at this stage.

[Sir Alec Shelbrooke (Wetherby and Easingwold) (Con)]

Further to that point of order, Mr Speaker—

[Mr Speaker]

No, I don’t think so. Take the first hint; don’t require a second.