§ Mr. SpeakerI have a communication which it is my duty to make to the House. On Friday last, after the hon. Member for Leyton (Mr. Sorensen) had made a personal statement, I was asked to look into the matter, and I undertook to do so.
After due consideration, I wrote to the learned judge in whose court the hon. Member for Leyton has been summoned as a witness. I have now received from the learned judge a letter which I have his permission to read to the House:
§ The Honourable Mr. Justice Harman,
§ Royal Courts of Justice, Strand, W.C.I,
§ 17th April, 1951.
§ DEAR MR. SPEAKER,
§ The Reverend R. W. Sorensen, M.P.
§ I have considered your letter of the 13th April on the subject of this gentleman's complaint. I, of course, agree with you that, during the Session of Parliament, Members of the House are exempt, or at any rate can be exempted, from attending as witnesses. In the circumstances I am entitled to say to you, as I do, that I propose to dispense with the attendance of Mr. Sorensen at my court on Monday, 23rd April next.
§ When the case comes on I shall make it my business to inquire into the allegations, in connection with which the applicant desires to oblige Mr. Sorensen to give evidence. If as a result, I come to the conclusion that it is necessary or desirable that such evidence should be given. I shall communicate with you again, and seek to arrange that Mr. Sorensen's testimony may be given at some time which will not conflict with his Parliamentary duties.
§ Mr. Eric FletcherIn view of what you have said, Mr. Speaker, I think it is right to inform you that this gentleman, Mr. Wicks, is also making efforts to serve me with a subpæna and that I may also have to ask for your protection.
§ Mr. SpeakerThat is a matter for the judge and not for me now, of course.