§ Mr. RookerMr. Speaker, I wish to raise a question of privilege on which I should like to seek your guidance. There appeared in the Economist of 11th October a most detailed article about a draft Report of a Select Committee of this House which, in fact, does not meet until Wednesday of this week. The report in the Economist gives in detail the amount of money which it is proposed to raise by means of the wealth tax. Full details are given. No member of the Select Committee has seen the draft Report. No hon. Member has seen the draft Report.
In the past the editor of the Economist has not been slow in coming forward to give advice to Members of this House. There have been complaints from time to time about Governments making statements outside the House instead of in the House. Hon. Members certainly have a right to be the first to be informed of the contents of Select Committee Reports. I should like you to consider this article, Mr. Speaker, and to give a ruling.
§ Mr. SpeakerIf the hon. Member is relying upon the article, will he bring the publication to the Table?
§ Copy of publication handed in.
§ Mr. SpeakerI am obliged to the hon. Member. I shall consider the matter and will rule tomorrow.