§ Mr. SpeakerOn Monday afternoon this week, the hon. Member for Caithness and Sutherland (Mr. Maclennan) raised a point of order about a reply given by the Under-Secretary of State for Trade and Industry to a supplementary question by the hon. Member for Rugby (Mr. William Price). Reference was made to certain criminal cases, including one where an appeal is pending. Although I am satisfied that the reference was not intended to be prejudicial to the hearing of the appeal, in my view it would have been better if it had not been made in that context.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (Mr. Peter Emery)On Monday, Mr. Speaker, in trying to reply helpfully to a supplementary question from the hon. Member for Rugby (Mr. William Price), I used a phrase which I thought was in order. At no time would I wish to breach the traditions of the House. I immediately bow to your ruling, Sir, and I ask the House to accept my sincere apology.
§ Mr. MaclennanI am grateful to you, Mr. Speaker, for clarifying what is, I think, a difficult area of our rules and procedures, and I am sure that the House will be grateful also to the Minister for his remarks.