§ Mr. Eric S. Heffer (Liverpool, Walton)On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I apologise for delaying the House, and I would not do so but for the exchange which took place earlier when several of my hon. Friends attempted to raise points of order.
The Prime Minister is reported in the Daily Telegraph as having had conversations with you, Mr. Speaker, asking for your protection from Back Benchers. As the right hon. Lady today seemed to indicate that the cost of the House of Commons was far too high so that, therefore, the rights of Back Benchers might be affected in some way, may we have an assurance from you that you will have conversations again with the right hon. Lady —indeed, that you will ask her to see you—and inform her that the House of Commons is an elected body, that Back Benchers also have rights and that if she cannot stand the heat in the kitchen she should get out?
§ Mr. SpeakerI saw that report. It was entirely wrong. I have never had conversations with the Prime Minister about that matter and I cannot imagine her ever seeking my protection. I am here to protect Back Benchers, and I hope that I do that adequately.
§ Mr. A. J. Beith (Berwick-upon-Tweed)Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker. Was it not a sound principle when the House decided some time ago that its affairs and Vote should be taken away from the responsibility of the Government and put into the hands of the House itself?
§ Mr. SpeakerI do not understand what the hon. Member is getting at. I cannot take responsibility—nor can any of us—for reports that appear in newspapers.