HC Deb 15 April 1947 vol 436 cc34-5
Mr. Quintin Hogg

There has today been put into my hands an article in a newspaper which, subject to your ultimate Ruling, Mr. Speaker, seems to me to contain a substantial and serious breach of the Privileges of this House. I am informed that it is my duty to raise this matter at the earliest opportunity, which is now; but I understand that there are substantial public reasons why the statement which the Chancellor of the Exchequer is about to make should not be delayed; and, furthermore, I think, although I have done my best to inform the hon. Member of this House who purports to have written this document of my intention to do so, he would not have had time to consider any remarks he might desire to make. Therefore, subject to your permission and your Ruling, I ask leave to raise this matter fully tomorrow, and leave it today with the formal intimation that the matter has been raised.

Hon. Members: What

is it?

Mr. Speaker

I think it would be lot the convenience of the House, and certainly for mine, as I have not seen the newspaper article yet, if it were left over until tomorrow. I, therefore, rule that raising it tomorrow would not prejudice the matter.