HC Deb 08 March 1979 vol 963 cc1507-8
Mr. Stoddart

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I hope that I am raising this matter at the right time.

My point of order concerns a question that has already been put to the Lord President about the statutory instrument the Draft European Communities (Definition of Treaties) (ECSC Decision on Supplementary Revenues) Order 1979. This order raises a serious question about the powers of this House and the powers of the House of Lords in relation to voting money.

The tradition is that the other House should in no circumstances grant or refuse Supply. That is an important constitutional principle, which goes back to 1640, when a monarch who wished to undermine that principle lost his head.

My point of order involves the question whether this order should have been introduced into the House and whether its introduction was a breach of the privilege of this House. The order means that the House of Lords has to give consent to the voting of Supply. When this matter was discussed in the Standing Committee on Statutory Instruments yesterday, the Minister in charge made an odd statement. He said that he did not think that it mattered so much because the Lords would have the power only to refuse Supply.

The power to refuse Supply is virtually the power to maintain or dismiss a Government. I am sure that I shall have support in asserting that only this House has the power to dismiss a Government. Therefore, I hope that you, Mr. Speaker, will consider this to be a serious issue which involves the privilege of the House and the future handling of statutory instruments.

I hope that you will be able to prevail on the powers-that-be so that no further action is taken until the position has been clarified and the privilege of the House safeguarded.

The Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Mr. Michael Foot)

Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker. I know that you will wish to rule on this matter, but of course I shall look into it urgently in the light of what hon. Members have said. A question of considerable importance is involved. There is also the question whether we should proceed until we have examined the matter. I underline my earlier promise.

Mr. Speaker

I am obliged. I shall consider the matter and give a ruling early next week.