§ Mr. RostOn a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Following the publication today of the report from Rolls-Royce on the outcome of its investigations into allegations of corruption against one of my constituents, have you yet had notification from the hon. Member for Birmingham, Perry Barr (Mr. Rooker) that he wishes to make a statement to withdraw his unsubstantiated allegations and to apologise to Rolls-Royce and my constituent for the injury and damage caused?
§ Mr. SpeakerI have received no request from the hon. Member for Birmingham, Perry Barr (Mr. Rooker).
§ [HON. MEMBERS: Disgraceful.]
§ Mr. DykesFurther to that point of order, Mr. Speaker. To all concerned it must appear that the hon. Member for Birmingham, Perry Barr (Mr. Rooker) has gravely damaged the reputation of the House. Either it was a genuine mistake 1538 on his part in misconstruing the wrong information or, subconsciously and without realising it, it was merely an attempt at self-aggrandisement. In those circumstances it is incumbent upon the hon. Member to do the only honourable thing and get to his feet and withdraw his unfounded allegations.
§ Mr. Alexander W. LyonFurther to that point of order, Mr. Speaker. If this is an occasion for asking whether statements are to be made by hon. Members, has a request been made by the hon. Member for Wokingham (Mr. van Straubenzee) to withdraw a statement that is now accepted to be defamatory?
§ Mr. SpeakerI have received no such request. This is not the time to debate what has happened. I have no doubt that there will be other opportunities. It is up to the House.
§ Mr. EnglishOn a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I have not had the opportunity to read any statement from Rolls-Royce, or the evidence that I presume was published with it, as a Select Committee would publish evidence of an inquiry. I should like to read such evidence before it is commented upon in the House.
§ Mr. SpeakerI am obliged to the hon. Gentleman.