§ Mr. Cecil Franks (Barrow and Furness)On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Earlier today I drew to your attention press comments which appeared in the national press yesterday and today concerning certain allegations against the deputy chief constable of Manchester. In view of the increasingly apparent breach of the rule of law, and breach of the principles of natural justice, together with the increasingly bizarre involvement of right hon. and hon. Members, surely it is incumbent upon my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary to make an authoritative statement this afternoon.
§ Mr. SpeakerThat is not really a matter for me. I read the speculation in the newspapers, and this is a matter which the hon. Gentleman must pursue with the Home Secretary.
§ Mr. Franksrose—
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. I do not think that I can do anything about it.
§ Mr. FranksFurther to that point of order, Mr. Speaker. May I bring to your attention one urgent matter? I understand from the Press Association that officers from the West Yorkshire police are in the House at this moment interviewing other Members of Parliament. Surely it is incumbent upon my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary to bring the matter to a conclusion, one way or the other?
§ Mr. SpeakerThat may well be so, but it is not a matter for mc. The hon. Gentleman must pursue the issue with the Home Secretary, not with me.