§
Order read for resuming Adjourned Debate on Question [1st March].
That the article purporting to be written by the honourable Member for East Middlesbrough and published in the 'New Leader' newspaper of the 1st March is a gross libel on the Chairman of Ways and Means and a grave breach of the Privileges of this House."—[Mr. Grotrian.]
§ Question again proposed.
§ Miss WILKINSONI regret that I was unable to be present when this matter was raised on Friday, owing to circumstances over which I had no control. I understand that my article in the "New Leader" is a breach of the Privileges of this House. I desire to express my regret that I made my criticism outside this House, instead of according to the established customs of this House.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Lady will please withdraw while the Debate is resumed.
§ The hon. Member withdrew accordingly.
§ Mr. GROTRIANEverybody regrets that this Motion should have had to be brought forward on Friday when the hon. Member was not here, and we also regret the circumstances which kept her away. In view of her apology to-day, I beg to ask leave to withdraw the Motion.
§ Motion, by leave, withdrawn.
§ Rear-Admiral BEAMISHOn a point of Order. Am I to understand that this question is now closed?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is so.
§ Rear-Admiral BEAMISHMay I further, to that point of Order, ask whether there is any orderly procedure whereby a Member or a group of Members may move to alter a system which allows of gross insults being offered to yourself and this House, whether it arises from innocence, ignorance, bad manners, or thirst for notoriety?
§ Mr. SPEAKERIt is always open to Members or groups of Members to put down a Motion upon the Order Paper, and no doubt, if they make application in the proper quarter, time will be given for debate.