HC Deb 13 May 1924 vol 173 cc1151-2
Mr. HOPE

You will remember, Sir, that yesterday a matter of privilege was raised in this House, and it was referred, after a Motion had been made, to the Committee on Privileges. In to-day's issue of a newspaper, there appears a communication purporting to have been made by a Member of this House practically repeating the statement complained of which has been sent to the Committee on Privileges. An hon. Friend of mine had proposed to raise this matter afresh, but he was unable to find the hon. Member who is reported to have given this interview, and to have made the statement, and, as notice is customary on these occasions, he felt himself unable to proceed. I would ask whether in these circumstances the matter can be raised to-morrow?

Mr. SULLIVAN

Before you reply to that question, I would like to say, as a member of the Committee, that I am sorry I was not here when the matter was raised yesterday. I understand that the complaint is in connection with the manner adopted by the Chairman—[HON. MEMBERS: "Order!"]

Mr. SPEAKER

Does the hon. Member wish to raise a point of Order?

Mr. SULLIVAN

I want to express an opinion as a member of the Committee. [HON. MEMBERS: "Order!"]

Mr. SPEAKER

I have not been informed of any statement that has been made. I should have thought at first sight that it was a matter connected with what was referred yesterday to the Committee on Privileges, but I will undertake to look into the matter.