§ Mr. BILLINGOn a point of Order. I desire to ask, having regard to the fact that it is considered improper or out of order for an hon. Member of this House to put a question on the Paper in reference to one of His Majesty's judges, and having regard to the fact that Lord Reading is 990 occupying the position of Ambassador in America, is it in order for a Member to put a question on the Paper in which reference is made to Lord Reading in his capacity as Ambassador, or whether the fact that he is Lord Chief Justice renders him immune from all criticism, no matter how reprehensible his action may be?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe question which the hon. Member submitted to me was one that reflected on the Lord Chief Justice in his capacity as Lord Chief Justice. I pointed out to him that those questions were not permitted, and that there is a special form by which the action of any of His Majesty's judges can be called in question in the House. I invited the hon. Member to take that action, if the hon. Member desired to persevere.
§ Mr. BILLINGOn a point of Order. May I say that the substance of my question was as to whether the Government would consider the appointment of a successor to Lord Reading in America, having regard to the recent disclosures?
§ Mr. SPEAKERI have nothing to add to the answer which I have given.