§ Mr. William Cash (Stafford)On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I would be greatly obliged if you would consider and express, in due course and in principle, a view on an issue relating to a matter set down in extenso on page 93 of "Erskine May" under the general heading
Matters arising outside Parliament which may be treated as proceedings inside Parliament".This point arises by virtue of the close relationship of those two matters, pending business in the House and, especially, in the context of breaches of the Official Secrets Act. I refer generally to the release of certain stolen confidential documents from within Whitehall relating to the pending business of this House, and their use by hon. Members, inside or outside the House.In the light of condemnation of such actions by the Law Lords in the "Spycatcher" case, I simply ask whether you would be good enough in due course to give a general ruling on such matters and to explain to the House what guidance it might take from your ruling.
§ Mr. SpeakerThat is a hypothetical matter, but, if the hon. Gentleman is making an allegation about the leaked documents of which we have heard this week, as a matter of privilege, he should write to me in the usual way and I shall certainly consider the matter.
§ Mr. Brian Sedgemore (Hackney, South and Shoreditch)Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker. Will you confirm that, in the late 1930s, when Winston Churchill was leaking information and documents that he received from the Ministry of Defence, which was leaking like a sieve, an inquiry was set up in the House and the House ruled that it was his duty to bring that information, however he obtained it, before us?
§ Mr. SpeakerI cannot confirm very much of what went on in 1930. I was still at school.
§ Mr. Frank Dobson (Holborn and St. Pancras)Further to your response to the point of order raised by the hon. Member for Stafford, (Mr. Cash), Mr. Speaker, will you confirm that, in the event of the hon. Gentleman writing to you and your ruling on matters relating to the privilege in respect of leaked Government documents, any ruling by you will apply to any document, whoever leaks it?
§ Mr. SpeakerThese are hypothetical matters. I will wait to receive a letter and look carefully into the question.