JOURNALISTS (IMPRISONMENT)

HC Deb 11 March 1963 vol 673 c963

Mr. G. M. Thomson

I beg to ask leave, Mr. Speaker, to move the Adjournment of the House, under Standing Order No. 9, for the purpose of discussing a definite matter of urgent public importance, namely, the imprisonment of two journalists for refusal to divulge to a Tribunal of Inquiry set up by this House confidential information received by them in the course of their professional duties.

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member asks leave to move the Adjournment of the House, under Standing Order No. 9, for the purpose of discussing a definite matter of urgent public importance, namely, the imprisonment of two journalists for refusal to divulge to a Tribunal of Inquiry set up by this House confidential information received by them in the course of their professional duties. I cannot accede to the hon. Gentleman's request. We could not discuss the imprisonment except on a substantive Motion.