Scottish Communists

Rising on a point of order, Mr Morris asked: "Mr Speaker, is there anything you can do to improve access to quality national newspapers across the parliamentary estate?"

The Easington MP added that he was particularly concerned "at the lack of availability of the Morning Star."

Looking across at Mr Bercow in the Speaker's Chair, he went on: "I wonder whether you might confirm to the house whether you are fortunate enough to receive copies in your residence?

"And if so, whether it is your view that all members should have the right to a broad and balanced political perspective?"

Amid Labour cheers and Tory jeers, Mr Bercow replied: "I am in favour of a broad and balanced diet of newspapers.

"I am not in the habit of regularly reading the newspaper to which the honourable gentleman referred. I am quite in favour of people having access to it if they so wish. But if he asks if it is delivered to me, the answer is no."

Mr Morris is a sponsor of Commons early day motion 1334 urging that the Morning Star should be featured regularly on BBC TV and radio newspaper reviews, which has been signed by 75 MPs from six political parties.

Wansbeck Labour MP Ian Lavery is the lead sponsor and it has been signed by 63 Labour members, six Lib Dems, three Plaid Cymru, one SNP, one SDLP and Green MP Caroline Lucas.

The EDM "expresses concern that the Morning Star is rarely ever shown on or reported on by the BBC on television and radio."

http://www.morningstaronline.co.uk/index.php/news/content/view/full/104454