HC Deb 29 June 1976 vol 914 cc211-3
Mr. Wrigglesworth

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I ask you to inform the House whether it is in order for private lobbyists to use the facilities of the House and public funds. I have in my hand three letters that I have received, each purporting to come from South Wales and each referring to the Aircraft and Shipbuilding Industries Bill. I obtained one of the letters earlier today from the Message Board in the Lobby in a House of Commons envelope. I believe that many other envelopes containing letters purporting to come from people from South Wales were placed on the board for hon. Members. It appears that this is a grave abuse of the facilities of the House and an improper use of public funds. I ask you to make an investigation, Mr. Speaker, and to rule whether it is in order for this to happen.

Mr. Lee

On a further point of order, Mr. Speaker. Does it not go further than that? Is it not a breach of privilege? Will you consider whether there has been a prima facie breach?

Mr. Ridley

When investigating that matter, if you so decide to do so, Mr. Speaker, will you investigate the fact that a large number of similar letters were placed in House of Commons envelopes, or on the Message Board, about the setting up of the Select Committee on Abortion a little while ago? Exactly the same thing happened on that occasion. Letters came to me from Scottish addresses in House of Commons envelopes franked "House of Commons". They were placed on the board. Clearly there has been an abuse in the past of a serious nature. If we are to investigate this minor matter, surely we should investigate the major one, too.

Mr. Cryer

You may recall, Mr. Speaker, that I raised this subject yesterday with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Industry. He agreed with me on the need for investigation into the way in which Bristol Channel Shipbuilders and Ship Repairers has used a firm called International News Service to attempt to alter the course of legislation in this House. This has involved the use of private dining rooms, which I understand in the last year have lost £56,000. Clearly, there has been some subsidy to a number of public relations companies. It seems to me that we should have a thorough-going investigation of the situation, in accordance with the view of the Secretary of State for Industry and many Labour Members.

Mr. Dalyell

Is it more than a coincidence that the letter on this topic that arrived for me should have come from Cardiff? [Interruption.] It would be more influential if they were sent to Mr. Speaker than to the Prime Minister.

Mr. Speaker

I have no interest to declare. I have nothing to do with this correspondence from Cardiff. I am advised that the use of House of Commons envelopes and paper is a matter for hon. Members themselves. The Third Report from the Select Committee on House of Commons (Services) said quite clearly: The decision in such matters must rest ultimately upon the good sense of individual Members and their continued regard to a strict interpretation of what constitutes their parliamentary as distinct from their party political or non-parliamentary work. I shall examine the matter to see whether there is anything else I need to say to the House, but I certainly advise all right hon. and hon. Members to read the Third Report of the Select Committee on House of Commons (Services).