Hon Member For Ynys Môn

4.33 pm

Mrs. Ann Clwyd  (Cynon Valley)
On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I am raising a matter of which I have informed you. I have also informed the hon. Member concerned. The hon. Member in question, the hon. Member for Ynys Môn (Mr. Best), has just made a statement that he made multiple applications for British Telecom shares. In view of that statement, Mr. Speaker, have you heard that it is the hon. Gentleman's intention to make a personal statement to the House, on his own admission, which may be a serious crime?

Mr. Speaker
I have not had any intimation at all of a personal statement, and I do not know anything about that matter.

Mr. Dennis Skinner  (Bolsover)
Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker
I do not think that anything can arise. It is not a matter of order.

Mr. Skinner
Well, Mr. Speaker, it is well known that Members of Parliament are supposed to put statements about shares and their interests in various matters in the Register of Members' Interests. I should like to know—[Interruption.] Just hear this out. In future, we must make sure that we have a full and comprehensive register. When people make multiple applications for shares in companies that have been privatised, for which they have voted in the House, will you see to it, Mr. Speaker, that that is included? Would it be a sensible item to include on the register in future, because—[Interruption.]

Mr. Speaker
Order. I heard the hon. Gentleman. He should take up that matter with the Committee concerned. It is not a matter of order.

Mr. Skinner
Well, you pass it on. You are supposed to be in charge.

Mr. Speaker
Order. The hon. Gentleman knows that that is not my role. He must make his own decisions in these matters.

Bill Presented

Dartford-Thurrock Crossing

Mr. Secretary Moore, supported by the Prime Minister, Mr. Secretary Ridley, Mr. John MacGregor, Mr. Secretary Channon and Mr. Peter Bottomley, presented a Bill to provide for the construction of a bridge over the River Thames between Dartford in Kent and Thurrock in Essex and of associated works; to provide for the Secretary of State to be the highway authority for the highways passing through the tunnels under that river between Dartford and Thurrock and their approaches, instead of Kent and Essex County Councils; to provide for the. levying of tolls, by a person appointed by the Secretary of State or by the Secretary of State, in respect of traffic using the crossing; to provide for transfers of property arid liabilities of those Councils to the person appointed and the Secretary of State and for the transfer to the Secretary of State of property and liabilities of the person appointed on termination of his appointment; to provide for the management of the crossing, including the imposition of prohibitions, restrictions and requirements in relation to traffic, and otherwise in relation to the crossing; and for connected purposes; And the same was read the First time; and ordered to be read a Second time tomorrow and to be printed. [Bill 126.]

Mr. Speaker
We now come to the ten-minute Bill. [Interruption.] Order.

Mr. Skinner
Why do you not tell the hon. Member for Crawley (Mr. Soames) and his hon. Friend instead of picking on Labour Members?

Mr. Speaker
Order. It is very unseemly to shout across the Chamber in that way.