HC Deb 04 December 1980 vol 995 cc434-5
Mr. Dafydd Wigley (Caernarvon)

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I apologise for not giving you notice, but the full facts have only just come to my attention.

As the defender of minorities and individuals in the House, can you, Mr. Speaker, advise me about our position when Select Committees are used to attack the interests and rights of parties not represented on the Select Committee on Welsh Affairs yesterday afternoon? A person who was not a Member of Parliament said that the Committee was being used deliberately to bludgeon a party which was not represented on that Committee. What is our redress when that happens?

Mr. Speaker

I never rule on what goes on in Select Committees. Each Select Committee has a Chairman. It is not the custom for Mr. Speaker to rule on such matters. The hon. Gentleman has aired his grievance.

Several Hon. Members

rose—

Mr. Speaker

I shall call hon. Members in the order of their proximity to me. Mr. Bob Cryer.