§ Mr. SpeakerBefore I call the Orders of the Day, I should like to make an apology to the hon. Member for Mid-Bedfordshire (Mr. Lennox-Boyd), who I am sorry is not at present here; perhaps my remarks will be conveyed to him. Last night—or, rather, this morning at about four o'clock—he asked me a question and I said that I thought it was impertinent. I regret exceedingly that I used those words. I should not have done so, and I should like hon. Members to convey my apologies to the hon. Member. We were all rather heated and I dare say my temper was getting a bit short, but perhaps at four o'clock in the morning I may be excused.
May I add that I should not like to start today with this on my conscience, seeing that it is today that I enter into my ninth year as Speaker?