§ Mr. SPEAKERWith regard to the matter raised yesterday, I have considered with care all the points submitted to me by the hon. Member for Penistone, (Mr. Pringle) and the right hon. Member for Spen Valley (Sir J Simon) and by other Members.
The Point which I have to decide is, fortunately, a much narrower one than might be thought horn the submissions made. It is only this: Is there a prima facie case of privilege instantly arising which calls for the setting aside of the business of the day that it may be dealt with immediately? On that point, my reply must be in the negative.
It remains open to the hon. Member to table a Motion, and to bring it before the House at the proper time. Then it will be for the House to decide whether or not there is a case for a Committee.
In giving this decision, I base myself not only on my own decision given in November, 1922, but also on that of my predecessor (Mr. Speaker Lowther), given in a similar case on the 17th and 21st May, 1917. The reference is OFFICIAL REPORT, Vol. 93, cols. 1783, 1923 and 1963
§ Mr. PRINGLEI beg to give notice that at an early date I will propose a Motion for an inquiry into the internment of Mr. Cahir Healy.