HC Deb 16 February 1965 vol 706 cc1011-2
Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member for Holland with Boston (Sir H. Butcher) addressed to me yesterday a complaint of breach of privilege relating to words alleged to have been spoken by the hon. Member for Colne Valley (Mr. Duffy) as reported in the Sunday Express of last Sunday.

I have considered the matter. In my view, the hon. Gentleman's complaint does raise a matter of privilege conferring upon it precedence over the Orders of the Day.

It would be in accordance with the practice if we were to give an opportunity to the hon. Member concerned to address the House if he wished to do so at this point. If the hon. Member does not desire to address the House, it is right that he should leave the Chamber at this moment.

Mr. DUFFY then withdrew.

The Lord President of the Council (Mr. Herbert Bowden)

In view of your Ruling, Mr. Speaker, and in conformity with past practice, it falls to me, as Leader of the House, to move, That the matter of the speech of the hon. Member for Colne Valley, reported in the Sunday Express newspaper of 14th February, be referred to the Committee of Privileges. May I express my personal view that, in the interests of the House as a whole, no further debate should take place at this point?

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

I am quite sure that that is the right course. I hope that my right hon. and hon. Friends will accept the Motion.

Question put and agreed to.

Ordered, That the matter of the speech of the hon. Member for Colne Valley, reported in the Sunday Express newspaper of 14th February, be referred to the Committee of Privileges.