§ Sir Charles Taylor (Eastbourne)On a point of order. I wish to raise a matter which I allege to be a serious breach of privilege.
On 29th June, on the Motion for the Adjournment of the House, I raised the issue of a book which, as you know, Mr. Speaker, I have consistently refused to name. As you may know, on that occasion I tried to spy strangers, but the House decided against my request.
Yesterday, my attention was drawn to an advertisement in the Sunday Times, which I propose to read. It mentions at the top the name of a book, the author, the publishers and the price. It goes on to say:
Sir Charles Taylor. M.P., described it as: 'Filthy, disgusting, degrading.' But 'One of the most important novels to come out of America,' says the Daily Telegraph"—I need not bore you further, Mr. Speaker, with the rest of the Press quotations.The advertisement adds:
What are they talking about? You can only find out by ordering a copy right now from: Better Books, 94 Charing Cross Road. London, W.C.2. (Telephone Temple Bar 2544.)I have made only one speech about a book when, as you will be aware, Sir, I did not mention the name. Subsequently I placed a copy in the Library for the confidential and private information of hon. Members. I regret very deeply that certain hon. Members broke that confidence by making public the name of the book.I submit that it is outrageous and monstrous that my name should have been used in an advertisement for the sale of 982 this book and I ask your protection against the newspaper concerned, which accepted the advertisement, and the advertisers. This is a matter which has caused me personally, my friends and my constituents, considerable distress.
§ Mr. SpeakerWill the hon. Member for Eastbourne (Sir. C. Taylor) bring the newspaper cutting of which he complains to the Table?
§ Copy of newspaper handed in.
§ Mr. SpeakerAgain, my comments must be precedural and not on the merits of what the hon. Gentleman has said. In accordance with usual practice, I will consider the complaint raised by the hon. Member for Eastbourne and I will give my Ruling on it tomorrow.