§ Mr. JAMES WILSONI should like to refer to some remarks that I made in the Debate on land taxation on Thursday, to which you, Sir, took exception, and I shall be glad if you will give me the opportunity and the House will listen to an explanation which I should wish to make. When you ruled me out of order for attempting to discuss the question of the nationalisation of land, what I had in mind was one or two sentences from speeches which had been delivered on which we on this side of the House feel very strongly. May I quote one or two sentences from one speech?
What are the real intentions of the Chancellor of the Exchequer? They are two: First, the Socialist party baulked of obtaining nationalisation by open means, that is to say, by robbery if no compensation is paid, is attempting to obtain their ambition by this thin end of the wedge.A further sentence I had in mind was this:The fact is that the Chancellor of the Exchequer intends to nationalise the land of this country by stealth."—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 7th May, 1931; col. 736, Vol. 252.]In the speech that I attempted to make, my only anxiety was to rebut, if I could, suggestions of that kind, because we feel very strongly on the matter. If I created the impression in the protest that I made that I made any reflection upon your impartiality in the Chair or in the fairness of your Ruling, or if. I created any impression in your mind or in the mind of the House that what I 823 said was a personal reflection on your conduct, I desire to take this early opportunity of very fully withdrawing and expressing my apology.
§ Mr. SPEAKERI thank the hon. Member for his generous response.