§ Mr. BowlesOn a point of order. I should like to ask you a Question, Mr. Speaker, of which I have given you 463 private notice. I, and no doubt other hon. Members, have seen in the Press and have heard in conversation references to the possibility of a Secret Session. I am aware of the decision of the House that an hon. Member can spy Strangers, and that Strangers must withdraw after a resolution has been passed by this House to that effect. Is it not the case that the second stage of the procedure which was in operation under the Defence Regulations existing during the war and until September, 1945, was repealed by Regulation No. 1208?
Is it not therefore the case that penalties which would have been imposed during the war upon an hon. Member who said outside this House what he had heard inside in Secret Session would no longer apply in such circumstances? Is it not further the case that this House would have no control in the matter, except to punish such an hon. Member for, say, breach of Privilege? Am I not right in saying that a Secret Session of the kind which may be in the minds of certain hon. Members would be nothing like so strictly secret as was the case during the war?
§ Mr. SpeakerThe answer is quite clear. In present conditions there can be no legal penalty. If an hon. Member disclosed anything after Strangers had been spied it would be a matter for this House and not a matter of law.
§ Earl WintertonWould you make it clear, Mr. Speaker, that the matter goes a little further than the action that this House can take in respect of its Members? Has it not been held that if any report appears in the Press on our proceedings after Strangers have been requested to withdraw, the House can proceed against the Press in question?
§ Mr. SpeakerThe noble Lord is correct there. We can proceed under an old Statute if anything appears in the Press in such circumstances.