§ Mr. John P. MackintoshOn a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I seek your guidance on a possible breach of privilege.
I am sorry to take the time of the House and that I have not had time to give you prior notice. Nor have I been able to contact the two hon. Members mentioned in the report which I wish to submit to you.
There is in The Times today a report which suggests that an attempt has been made to serve a writ on an hon. Member inside the House on a sitting day.
I was under the impression that this was either a contempt of the House or a breach of privilege. I would be grateful for your ruling.
§ Mr. SpeakerThe hon. Gentleman will bring me the newspaper and the Clerk will read to the House the paragraph of which complaint has been made.
§ Copy of newspaper handed in.
§
The CLERK OF THE HOUSE read the passage complained of:
Maxwell 'under blockade' from Pergamon"—
It seems that Pergamon has been trying without success to serve Mr. Maxwell with legal papers since last Friday. In a protest letter to Sir Henry d'Avigdor-Goldsmid, Mr. Maxwell claims that a representative of Pergamon attempted to serve legal papers on him at the House of Commons last Friday, after claiming to be one of his constituents.
§ Mr. SpeakerIn accordance with usual practice, I will rule tomorrow on the matter.