HC Deb 18 November 1976 vol 919 cc1565-6
Mr. Speaker

Before I call the Private Notice Question, I have a statement to make.

Yesterday a motion was considered in an atmosphere which did the House no credit. Disorderly recriminations were hurled across the Floor with such frequency that I was obliged on two occasions to warn the House that, if order was not restored, I should have to suspend the sitting.

One of my major responsibilities is to maintain the dignity of the House the best I can and respect for it outside. I am, therefore, determined that what happened yesterday should not be repeated and I remind the House that it lies within the power of the Chair to see that it is not.

I call attention to Standing Order No. 23: Mr. Speaker or the chairman shall order any Member or Members whose conduct is grossly disorderly to withdraw immediately from the House during the remainder of that day's sitting. I am perfectly well aware that today's proceedings are of vital moment and that every vote will count. But, if hon. Members cannot restrain themselves and cannot use parliamentary language, I must warn the House that I shall not hesitate to use my powers under Standing Order No. 23 if grossly disorderly expressions are exchanged across the Floor, from either side of the House.

It is hardly necessary for me to remind the House that any Member who is ordered to withdraw will not be able to participate in the rest of this day's proceedings.

May I say in conclusion that I find it slightly offensive to the Chair that, when hon. Members are asked to withdraw a statement, they do so in a half-hearted manner. [HON. MEMBERS: "Hear, hear."] Order. I am addressing the House in general. I expect hon. Members, when they are asked to withdraw, to do so in an unqualified manner.

Mr. Heffer

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I raised this matter with you beforehand. May I direct your attention to the Official Report of yesterday's proceedings which states that I said: The hon. Member is a big twit."—[Official Report, 17th November 1976; Vol. 919, c.1355.] That may or may not be true about whichever hon. Gentleman that was directed against, but I did not say it. If one is to be recorded in Hansard, I hope that in future what I really say about hon. Members will be recorded accurately. I trust that this will be corrected.

Mr. Speaker

I will ensure that a correction is made in Hansard. But may I remind the House again that the proceedings in this House are read throughout the Commonwealth, and the sort of language that has been wrongly attributed to the hon. Gentleman was, I believe, typical of the unworthy language that was used yesterday.