HC Deb 18 October 1976 vol 917 cc941-3
Mr. Skinner

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I wonder whether you will be making a statement, or whether you are able to inform the House that a statement will be made, on the report in the Observer yesterday concerning alleged corruption by three Members of Parliament. In that report it is suggested that Members of Parliament are above the law as it affects ordinary individuals in cases of corruption and bribery.

Would you care to comment whether it is a breach of privilege for a newspaper in these circumstances to name one Member of Parliament in the case, without mentioning the others, thereby, as a result of failing to name names, by inference pointing the finger at anybody else whom the cap might fit?

Mr. Madden

Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker. You will know that I sought your permission earlier today to submit—

Mr. Speaker

Order. It is not customary to make reference to an application that I have turned down.

Mr. Madden

I am grateful for your advice, Mr. Speaker. It is in relation to your advice and guidance, as the guardian of the interests of Back Benchers, that I ask whether you would be willing to initiate discussions between the usual channels to enable the Government to make a statement on the matters referred to in the Observer yesterday, with particular reference to the apparent anomaly whereby Members of Parliament cannot be faced with legal proceedings for corruption and bribery? It is essential that a statement should be made today by the Government, making clear what their intentions are and what their future actions will be on this matter.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Michael Cocks)

Further to the point of order, Mr. Speaker. This is obviously very much a matter for yourself, but the Lord President of the Council, who is indisposed today and very much regrets that he is not able to be present, has asked me to assure the House that he will study very carefully anything said in the House on this subject today.

Mr. Speaker

I have noted with great care what has been said. It has not been raised as a matter of privilege and therefore it is not a matter for me to rule upon. But I gather, from what the Government Chief Whip said, that there will be a statement of some sort. Is that correct?

Mr. Michael Cocks

No.

Mr. Speaker

In that case, of course, I take heed of what the hon. Gentlemen has said, and I will consider it.