§ Mr. SpeakerBefore I rule on the privilege issue raised yesterday by the hon. and learned Member for Montgomery (Mr. Hooson), I would inform the House that I have had a letter of apology from the hon. and learned Gentleman who, unfortunately, is conducting a case at the assizes and was unable to make alternative arrangements. He asks me to forgive his apparent discourtesy.
The House will recall that yesterday the hon. and learned Gentleman made a complaint of breach of privilege on which I promised to rule this morning, having taken the customary day to deliberate upon his submission.
In the light of the precedents available to me, I have no doubt that the subject of the Member's complaint, founded upon the periodical which he handed in, constitutes a prima facie case of privilege which entitles the matter to priority over the Orders of the Day.
Perhaps I should remind the House that it therefore becomes necessary that a Motion be moved so that the matter can be dealt with now.
§ The Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Mr. Richard Crossman)I beg to move,
That the matter of the complaint be referred to the Committee of Privileges.
§ Question put and agreed to.