On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Can you help the House to clear up a conundrum? As you know, under Standing Order No. 17(3), the only questions that can be asked after 3.30 pm are those which have not appeared on the Order Paper but which are, in your opinion, of an urgent character and relate either to matters of public importance or the arrangement of business. Did you accept any such questions on the morning of 21 January and, if so, in whose name was it put down?

I do not know what the hon. Gentleman is referring to; he is not being specific.

I believe that on Wednesday morning something appeared on the annunciator to the effect that a private notice question had been accepted by your office. Can you say who put down that private notice question?

The hon. Gentleman knows that private notice questions appear on the annunciator if they have been granted, but a Minister can, if he wishes, make a statement instead of answering a private notice question, and that is exactly what happened on that particular day.

Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker.

No. I do not think that I can add any more. That is a plain matter of fact.

Who put down the private notice question which appeared on the annunciator?

Order. The hon. Gentleman should listen to what I said. It is for a Minister to make a statement in place of a private notice question if he so wishes.

Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker.

Order. There can be nothing further to it.

rose—

Order! There can be nothing further to it. I have stated the facts.

You have not answered the question, Mr. Speaker.

I have answered the question.