HC Deb 12 March 1980 vol 980 cc1333-4
Mr. Merlyn Rees

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I seek your advice on a matter that brooks no delay. I can see no way in which the matter can be raised in the House, but I seek your advice because the event with which I am concerned is to take place tonight.

There is a bombing campaign in Wales against the houses of English residents and the houses of Welshmen with two houses in Wales. I understand that a television programme is to be broadcast on the BBC in Wales tonight that will show bombing devices, and will show a man who claims to take part in the bombings. The report that I have says that the bombers claim that great care is taken not to cause injury to life or limb, but they acknowledge that somebody will be hurt at some time or another.

I ask for an opportunity to hear from the Government what action they propose to take on the matter. Nobody wishes to stop genuine ideas being put forward on television, even from those with whom we disagree. However, this is a matter where people will be hurt. I ask whether some action can be taken.

The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Leader of the House of Commons (Mr. Norman St. John-Stevas)

Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker. I wish to assure the right hon. Member for Leeds, South (Mr. Rees) of the importance that the Government attach to the issue that he has raised this afternoon. I regret that my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary cannot be present this afternoon, for reasons that the right hon. Gentleman will understand. I have had a preliminary discussion with him, and he attaches the greatest importance to the intervention made by the right hon. Gentleman. At the earliest possible opportunity I shall convey to him what the right hon. Gentleman has said in the House this afternoon.

Mr. Speaker

The House will understand that there are times when although a matter that is raised is not strictly a point of order it is in the interests of the House to be forbearing.