HC Deb 19 June 1978 vol 952 cc29-30
Mr. Speaker

On Thursday last, I caused the hon. Member for Birmingham, Perry Barr (Mr. Rooker) to withdraw a reflection on the conduct of a Member of another place. To clear up any lingering doubts about my reasons for doing so, I shall try to make the position absolutely clear.

The conduct of certain categories of person may be criticised only in a substantive motion, of which due notice must be given. Those categories include Members of either House of Parliament. If such a motion is debated, the criticism embodied in the motion can, of course, be repeated in the course of the debate. The criticism can then be answered and the motion decided, if necessary on a vote. This procedure ensures fair play on all sides.

It is not in order to use a supplementary question to repeat a charge made in a substantive motion. What would be in order would be to ask for time to debate the motion. Thus it is not in order, as "Erskine May" makes clear, for personal conduct to be criticised in a question.

Before Thursday last, the hon. Member for Perry Barr had tabled a motion criticising a Member of another place, which he was fully entitled to do. At business questions, he would have been in order in asking simply for time for his motion to be debated, but he was not in order in using this opportunity to repeat and elaborate a criticism that he had made in his motion. He could do that only if and when his motion was debated.

I hope that this will finally clear up any doubts that might have been in the minds of hon. or right hon. Members.

Mr. Heffer

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. May I draw your attention to the view of The Sunday Times in an editorial on this question? Have you any comments to make on that?

Mr. Speaker

I have not even read it.

Mr. Burden

Is it not regrettable that there is apparently a growing tendency for some hon. Members, under the rules of privilege, to impugn the honour and integrity of others outside?

Mr. Heffer

What about the Conservative side? What about Airey Neave?

Mr. Burden

Should not hon. Members on all sides of the House be careful about using their privilege since, if they made similar statements outside the House, they would be liable to face considerable legal implications?

Mr. Speaker

I am quite sure that the words I have spoken this afternoon will be studied even by those who are not in the Chamber.