§ Mr. StonehouseWith your permission, Mr. Speaker, and that of the House, I wish to make a personal statement.
On the 20th December last I sought leave to move the Adjournment of the House, under Standing Order No. 9, for the purpose of discussing the position of the three Bahraini political prisoners on St. Helena.
During my speech, when I referred to the possible return of these men to Bahrain, I adopted, without consideration, an interjection that they would
…have their heads chopped off…"— [OFFICIAL REPORT, 20th December, 1960; Vol. 632, c. 1085.]It is now apparent to me that that particular comment was quite unjustified, and as it has been widely quoted and has caused wide concern, particularly in Bahrain, I wish unreservedly to withdraw the remark and to apologise to all those to whom it has caused distress.