§ Mr. SpeakerI have a Ruling to make.
Yesterday, the hon. Member for Rushcliffe (Mr. Gardner) drew attention to a matter which appeared to him to constitute a breach of privilege. He referred briefly to a report in The Times of Monday, 3rd July.
I have given very careful consideration to the hon. Gentleman's complaint. In the light of recent precedents, I propose to make no comment on the report except to rule that, in my view, the report does not prima facie constitute a contempt of this House, and does not prima facie involve a breach of any of its privileges.
That means that I cannot allow the hon. Gentleman's complaint precedence over the Orders of the Day, but this has no effect on what the House may choose to do in the matter if it should be raised by a substantive Motion.