§ Mr. COCKSI rise to ask your permission, Mr. Speaker, to make a personal statement. During the all-night sitting last week I interjected an observation reflecting in unparliamentary terms upon the Secretary of State for the Home 1324 Department. I wish to take this opportunity to withdraw that observation, to express my deep regret for having made it, and to tender my sincere apology to you, Sir, to the Home Secretary and to the House.
§ Sir J. SIMONMay I thank the hon. Gentleman and say that I never regarded his remark as having been seriously made, and I very willingly accept his withdrawal and apology.