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Business of the House

I am beginning to have the slight suspicion that there is an element of co-ordination on these matters on the Opposition Benches. I get the slight sense that they might have been discussed earlier. Nevertheless, I will deal with the hon. Gentleman's question directly. It is important for the views of public servants and officials throughout the country to be communicated to the House. I cannot understand what the hon. Gentleman is objecting to. Distinguished public servants have a view—[Interruption.] Including former diplomats. In a democracy, we all have to listen to that view. What I do not understand about this line of argument—perhaps the shadow Leader of the House needs to co-ordinate his efforts more successfully—is that it would mean that, when Members of Parliament were making up their minds on difficult issues, they would not have available to them the views of those who would be most affected by the decisions and whose job it is, if we are talking about the police, to protect this country. It is self-evident that we need such information so that we can make up our minds.