HC Deb 29 July 1976 vol 916 cc881-2
Mr. Hugh Fraser

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Before the debate resumes I hope that the Secretary of State for Industry will clear up an area in respect of which he undoubtedly misled the House last night on the finding of an industrial tribunal inside Wales. Having obtained a transcript of the tribunal's proceedings, I feel that it is vitally important to point out that his statement contained a mis-statement of fact, to the effect that Bristol Channel Ship Repairers Limited had fired workers unfairly for being pro-nationalisation. I hope that the Minister will clear up that matter He made an emotional speech on the matter yesterday, which was clearly untrue.

Mr. Speaker

Order. The content of Ministers' speeches is not for me.

Later—

Mr. Wigley

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I seek your guidance in your capacity as defender of the interests of minorities and Back Benchers. Yesterday evening, a vote was taken on the Aircraft and Shipbuilding Industries Bill at six o'clock and a further vote will be taken on the same Bill tonight between eight o'clock and nine o'clock. In his speech winding up that debate yesterday the Secretary of State quoted from the South Wales Echo a story which was only partially true. In today's edition of the paper, the story is printed in full, which gives a completely different picture from that given by the Secretary of State. In those circumstances, how can arrangements be made to allow the Minister to make a further statement to put the record straight for the House?

Mr. Speaker

It seems to me that the hon. Member has put the record straight. What takes place in a debate is settled on the spot by the result of the Division. I accept the results given by the Tellers. I think that we had better leave that matter until the debate later.

Mr. Kinnock

Further to the point of order, Mr. Speaker. For the sake of brevity, could I, through you, say that the hon. Member for Caernarvon (Mr. Wigley) has done anything but put the record straight? The record was straight on what my right hon. Friend quoted yesterday.

Mr. Speaker

That shows the danger of saying any thing.