§ Mr. LiptonI wish to seek your ruling, Mr. Speaker, on what I submit is a serious breach of privilege and contempt of this House. On page 250 of Volume 3 of the Franks Committee's Report on the Official Secrets Act, the 37 Director-General of the Security Service, in oral evidence, stated:
I can certainly say that very many Members of Parliament are in contact with very many intelligence officers.I regard that statement as a serious reflection on the integrity and honour of all hon. Members. It is an indiscriminate smear by inference which should not be allowed to go unchallenged. I therefore hope that the Select Committee on Privileges may be asked to consider the matter complained of.
§ Mr. SpeakerI am obliged to the hon. Member. I will consider his submission and, in accordance with the present practice, rule on it tomorrow.