HC Deb 23 May 1962 vol 660 c437

3.30 p.m.

Mr. Speaker

The House will, or may, recall that I said yesterday, in response to a point of order about Standing Committee B, raised by the hon. Member for Hamilton (Mr. T. Fraser), that the argument that he put to me—I quote my words: … would be more properly addressed to the Chairman in Committee as a ground for adjourning when the Committee meets …".—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 22nd May, 1962; Vol. 660, c. 233.] I did not, of course, attempt to indicate what proceedings would then follow. I hoped that I had used words to make that plain enough. It now appears from the HANSARD of Standing Committee B relating to yesterday afternoon, which has been published now, that my remarks were interpreted as suggesting a course of action to be followed by the Committee.

I am very sorry to think that my words were capable of bearing this interpretation. I hope that I have made my intention quite clear.