HC Deb 27 June 1977 vol 934 cc73-4
Mr. Speaker

I have a brief ruling to make.

Last Friday the European Assembly Elections Bill was presented in the House after notice had been given. Arrangements had been made that the Bill should be available to hon. Members immediately after presentation. On receiving their copies several hon. Members noticed that there was endorsed on the back: Presented by Mr. Secretary Ross instead of Presented by Mr. Secretary Rees". They questioned whether this error invalidated the presentation. The proceedings in the House were, however, correctly carried out. The dummy Bill, which is invariably used for presentation, duly carried the name of Mr. Secretary Rees and the presentation was carried out by another member of the Government acting on his behalf in the normal way.

With regard to the error in the print of the Bill, I have in my hand the original manuscript which was sent to the printer. This shows clearly the name of Mr. Secretary Rees. The substitution of "Mr. Secretary Ross" was a printer's error. A correction slip was prepared as soon as the mistake was discovered and was attached to all copies of the Bill not already issued. None had been issued outside the Houses of Parliament. I hope that that satisfies hon. Members.