HC Deb 03 July 1947 vol 439 cc1521-2

The following Notices of Motion stood upon the Order Paper in the name ofMr. PICKTHORN: That the Report [17th June] of the Committee of Privileges be now considered. That this House disagrees with the Report of the Committee of Privileges, and, in particular, deprecates contractual agreements with outside bodies relating solely to a Member's work in Parliament as inconsistent with the dignity of the House, with the duty of a Member to his constituents, and with the maintenance of the privilege of freedom of speech.

Mr. Speaker

I have considered the Notice of Motion which stands on the Order Paper in the name of the hon. Member the senior Burgess for Cambridge University (Mr. Pickthorn) but there are various complications, and, for the moment, I do not feel that I am justified in calling it. I quite realise that the hon. Member was right to put it down without undue delay, and that he has in fact done so, but there are repercussions and I have not had much time to look into the matter. I should like further time before I come to any decision.

Mr. Pickthorn

While, of course, gratefully and respectfully accepting that Ruling, Mr. Speaker, I wonder if I might say one sentence? I had, of course, no intention to force the extreme rule in urgency of this matter, but so far as I could very quickly read the books, I thought it might be held necessary. All I am trying to do is to make sure that the matter remains discussable and will be discussed as soon as possible.

Mr. Henderson Stewart

May I suggest, Mr. Speaker, that it might be for the convenience of hon. Members if the Leader of the House indicated his own views upon this matter, which a very large section of public opinion regards as being of great importance and urgency?

Mr. H. Morrison

May I say respectfully, Mr. Speaker, that as you have indicated that you would like a little more time to consider your own position before you give a Ruling, I hardly think if would be proper for me to say anything before that Ruling is given. I should like, if I may, to express my thanks to the hon. Gentleman the senior Burgess for Cambridge University (Mr. Pickthorn) for his courtesy in letting the Chief Whip know of his intention last night.

Earl Winterton

Is it quite clear, Mr. Speaker, that your remarks referred to the first Motion on the Order Paper and not to the second which is in an entirely different category?

Mr. Speaker

I was referring to both because the first really covers the second.

Mr. Pickthorn

I do not in the least wish to continue the matter, but I was very anxious to make it clear to the whole House. I understand, Mr. Speaker, that your Ruling, which you are withholding, so to speak, is on the question whether this a matter of that order of urgency that it must be taken on the first possible day as if it were a new act of breach of privilege. That is a matter which, I understand, is being reserved for Monday. All I want to make clear is that whatever your Ruling may be on that. Sir, it leaves unaffected the right of hon. Members on this or any side of the House to expect that the Government will make it possible to discuss this Report.

Mr. Morrison

I will endeavour to be here on Monday so that I shall be in a position to deal with the matter whichever way Mr. Speaker decides.

Mr. Speaker

I prefer to say no more until I have considered the matter.