§ Sir Herbert WilliamsI desire to raise again with you, Mr. Speaker, the question of Privilege raised already on Friday, 19th May, affecting the hon. Member for St. Helens (Mr. W. A. Robinson), who is now in his place.
§ Mr. SpeakerMr. Robinson.
§ Mr. W. A. Robinson (St. Helens)This matter has not been raised by me in the Press. I can only inform you, Mr. Speaker, and the House, that I was in receipt of a registered letter from my organisation which I have got here, which I can show you, and which I propose to read. The letter, which is dated 15th May, reads as follows:
Dear Mr. Robinson,Your letter of the 10th May intimating that it is not your intention to resign as Member of Parliament for St. Helens, was noted by the Executive Council at their meeting held this last week-end.I am directed to inform you that the Executive Council adopted the following minute unanimously:That the retaining allowance of £200 per annum payable to Mr. W. A. Robinson, as authorised by minute 944 (3) of Executive Council held 12th and 13th December, 1942, and the postage allowance and secretarial assistance authorised by minute 757585(3) of Executive meeting held 10th and 11th October, 1942, be discontinued after the 30th June, 1944.'That letter I received with regret. I have shown it to nobody and, from whomsoever the Press received the information, it was not from me. I have not raised the matter, and, whatever pang I felt myself, I did not inform anybody of it.
§ Mr. SpeakerThe House will appreciate that the hon. Member did not raise the matter himself. The matter has been raised, and I think the House will appreciate that it involves a rather serious issue. I decide therefore that a prima facie case has been made out.
§ Sir H. WilliamsI beg to move,
That the Matter of the Complaint be referred to the Committee of Privileges.
§ Question put, and agreed to.