HC Deb 13 October 1975 vol 897 cc864-5
Mr. Madden

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I apologise for not having given you prior notice. My point of order concerns developments over recent hours relating to the Member for Walsall, North (Mr. Stonehouse). [Hon. Members: "Right honourable Member."]

If Press indications are true that the Member has requested permission to make a statement to the House, may I take it that in considering that application you will, in view of the controversy and the fact that such a statement would be not universally welcomed by the House, afford the House an opportunity on a Division to give approval or otherwise for the Member to make a statement? Secondly, as we were urged not to consider a motion to expel the said Member because it might influence court proceedings, will you, if you give per mission for a statement to be made, impose limitation on the substance of such a statement—

Mr. Speaker

Order. I cannot allow this. The question whether to allow a personal statement to be made is a matter for me. If I allow it to be made, I shall have to approve the personal statement. I am not prepared to accept advice on a hypothetical situation at the moment.