HC Deb 01 March 1929 vol 225 cc2332-4
Mr. GROTRIAN

I desire to call your attention, Mr. Speaker, and the attention of this House, to a gross libel that has been published upon the Chairman of Ways and Means, and to move a Motion in connection therewith. The libel is contained in an article purporting to have been written by the hon. Member for East Middlesbrough (Miss Wilkinson) and is contained in a paper called the "New Leader," under date 1st March, that is, to-day.

Mr. TINKER

On a point of Order. Has the hon. and learned Member notified the hon. Member for East Middlesbrough (Miss Wilkinson) that he intended to raise this question?

Mr GROTRIAN

I have not been able to notify the hon. Member. This libel has only just been published. It was brought to my notice late last night, and I understand that it is the practice of the House that these things must be brought to the immediate attention of Mr. Speaker. Perhaps the House will allow me to read one or two short passages, in order to justify the Motion which I am going to move.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

On a point of Order. I am sorry to interrupt the hon. and learned Member, but I understand that the hon. Member for East Middlesbrough (Miss Wilkinson) is away owing to a family bereavement. I believe it is the practice of the House that such a question of Privilege must be raised immediately, and I do not want to deprive the hon. and learned Member for South West Hull (Mr. Grotrian) of his rights in that matter, but may I ask whether his rights could be safeguarded and also an opportunity given to the hon. Member for East Middlesbrough to be present, on the old principle that no one should be adjudged in their absence, if their presence is possible.

Mr. SPEAKER

Under our Rules, it is necessary that these questions of Privilege should be brought to the attention of the House at the earliest possible moment. Hon. Members will realise the difficulty of always securing the presence of the particular Member who is affected, or of notifying such Member. That is rather a difficult thing to do, particularly when, as in this case, the matter only comes out on the morning of the day when the House is sitting, and that on a Friday when the House meets at eleven o'clock. I should be very loath that, in the unavoidable and regrettable absence of the hon. Lady who represents East Middlesbrough (Miss Wilkinson), any action should be taken or anything done. No doubt, that could be overcome by a Motion "That the Debate be adjourned," so that the hon. Member might be in her place.

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Commander Eyres-Monsell)

Directly my hon. and learned Friend had established his claim, I was going to move the adjournment of the debate. One sympathises with the hon. Lady, and we all regret the reason for her absence. Directly the claim of my hon. and learned Friend has been established, I propose to move the adjournment of the debate, until Monday.

Mr. GROTRIAN

I extremely regret the circumstances which have caused me to raise this question in the absence of the hon. Member for East Middlesbrough, but, of course, her rights no doubt will be amply safeguarded by you, Mr. Speaker. I was about to read one or two short passages from the article. The first paragraph is headed: