HC Deb 05 December 1960 vol 631 cc867-8
Mr. Gaitskell

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. May I ask the Leader of the House whether it is the Government's intention to take account of the Resolu- tion passed by the House on Friday, without a Division, and to institute an inquiry into the Press?

The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. R. A. Butler)

I have not had notice of this question, and I should like to have an opportunity of giving it the attention it deserves. Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will give me an opportunity of consulting with my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister and giving him an answer in due course.

Mr. K. Robinson

Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker. In the light of the Home Secretary's reply to my right hon. Friend—

Mr. Speaker

There is some difficulty about this. The right hon. Gentleman the Leader of the Opposition rose to a point of order. It was not strictly a point of order. It might have been a Private Notice Question, but the rules about Private Notice Questions have not been complied with. I do not think that we can go on with it.

Mr. Robinson

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Since the Resolution in question arises out of a Motion that I moved on Friday I should like to ask the Leader of the House a question directly related to Government statements on the subject.

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Gentleman may not do that now because it does not resemble a point of order, to which he rose, and the rest of it would be irregular.

Mr. J. Griffiths

Further to the point of order, Mr. Speaker. As the Government were defeated in the House on Friday, is not that a matter which should receive the attention of the Leader of the House?

Mr. Speaker

All sorts of things can happen within the rules of order, but nothing that has been happening so far has been within the rules.

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