§ Mr. George Brown (Belper)I wish to make a personal statement, Mr. Speaker.
In the closing stages in the debate on the Army Reserve Bill on Monday, as is quite clear to anyone who reads the OFFICIAL REPORT, I allowed my normal exuberance to carry me astray. In consequence, I said things I should prefer not to have said and, in particular, I used a phrase referring to you, Mr. Speaker, which nothing can justify.
I trust that the House will think it right that I should use this the first appropriate occasion to withdraw and to apologise.
§ Mr. SpeakerThe whole House will be grateful for the sentiment which caused the right hon. Gentleman to want to make this statement and, of course, I most fully accept his apology.