§ Mr. SpeakerBefore I call the Leader of the Opposition to ask the Business Question, I want to make a brief statement.
I was given to understand this morning that there might be some question of civil proceedings being instituted in relation to the subject of the debate under Standing Order No. 9 today. I had careful inquiries made this morning and at lunchtime was assured that no proceedings for an injunction had been instituted in either the Queen's Bench Division or the Chancery Division. It may be that proceedings might be instituted this afternoon, but, although this House has always had careful regard to the administration of justice, I do not think that we can conduct our business on the basis of some last-minute application which it is difficult to confirm at short notice and may be based on hearsay.
I propose, therefore, so to exercise my discretion in regard to the sub judice rule as to allow the Standing Order No. 9 debate to proceed. The sub judice rule will therefore not apply even if it is later submitted that proceedings might have started.