HC Deb 08 February 1984 vol 53 c904

Mr. Archy Kirkwood accordingly presented a Bill to establish an electoral system for the European Assembly based on proportional representation; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the First time; and ordered to be read a Second time on Friday 16 March and to be printed. [Bill 97.]

Mr. Ian Wrigglesworth (Stockton, South)

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I feel that I should seek to help the hon. Member for Bolsover (Mr. Skinner)—

Mr. Speaker

Order. The point of order must be addressed to me and not to the hon. Member for Bolsover (Mr. Skinner).

Mr. Wrigglesworth

I am anxious about the rights of the hon. Member for Bolsover. Is it in order for the Labour Chief Whip to seek to persuade and put pressure on the hon. Member for Bolsover who was preparing to oppose the Bill? We can speculate on why the Labour Chief Whip would want to do that, but I seek your guidance on how you might protect the hon. Member for Bolsover from that sort of unfair pressure.

Mr. Skinner

rose—

Mr. Speaker

Before the hon. Gentleman says anything—

Mr. Skinner

But the hon. Gentleman has named me.

Mr. Speaker

No, he does not do the naming.

Mr. Skinner

Not more than 20 minutes ago, when I referred to the leader of the SDP as being reticent and coy over the U-turn on Lebanon, I was pulled up in my tracks by you, Mr. Speaker. However, let me make it quite clear that I had never any intention of giving the SDP and the Liberals a chance to get a few votes from either side. I made it abundantly clear from the beginning that I was in the Chamber to make sure that at least one voice shouted No to the motion, to show that I would not surrender to proportional representation and/or the Common Market as, seemingly, this motley crew from the Liberals and SDP are always prepared to do.

Mr. Speaker

Order. We can leave the matter there.