HC Deb 22 July 1977 vol 935 cc2047-8
Mr. Deputy Speaker (Mr. Oscar Murton)

Mr. John Cordle—personal explanation.

Mr. Cordle

Mr. Deputy Speaker, I have now had an opportunity of giving further onsideration not only to the Report of the Select Committee on the Conduct of Members but to my own position and that of my constituents as it is affected by the report.

I have decided on reflection, and as a parliamentarian of nearly 20 years' experience, that if a group of my colleagues decide unanimously that I was at fault in a matter, I must bow to their judgment. It was not my view at the time that I was doing anything that I should not have done. In such matters one can only consult one's own conscience, and mine at the time was clear, but my colleagues do not accept this view and I must now accept theirs.

In the light of this conclusion, and as one whose first duty must be to my colleagues and to the reputation of the House, I am bound to consider the circums0tances of the forthcoming debate on the report. It may well be acrimonious and divisive. My greatest concern is that the good name of the House should not suffer in the process.

I have therefore decided that the only proper course for me to take is to resign my seat, and I propose immediately after I have left the Chamber to apply for one of the appropriate offices. I shall therefore no longer be a Member of the House.