HC Deb 17 December 1953 vol 522 c550

The following Question stood upon the Order Paper:

15. Mr. Osborne

To ask the Minister of Labour if, after consultation with the Trades Union Congress he will introduce legislation to make secret ballots compulsory before any strike action is taken.

Mr. Pannell

On a point of order. Do I understand that Question No. 15 has been withdrawn, Sir?

Mr. Speaker

Yes.

Mr. Pannell

I want to protest about a Question containing an innuendo being withdrawn in this way. The withdrawal of the Question has prevented my making a request to the hon. Member for Louth (Mr. Osborne) that he should prove some of these statements. This Question, with these imputations, is slanderous.

Mr. Speaker

I see nothing slanderous in the Question at all.