§ Sir Peter Hordern (Horsham)On a point of order, Madam Speaker. During Prime Minister's Question Time this afternoon, in your hearing, the Leader of the Opposition launched a strong personal attack on my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Is it not one of the oldest conventions in the House that, if a right hon. or hon. Member is going to name another right hon. or hon. Member, he first gives him or her notice to that effect privately?
I have established with my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer that the Leader of the Opposition gave him no such notice. In view of that fact, will you rule on this matter and confirm that that is a convention of the House and that the Leader of the Opposition ought to come to the Dispatch Box and apologise to my right hon. Friend?
§ Madam SpeakerIt is a convention of the House, and it is a matter of common courtesy, that, if one Member intends to name another during a debate, or questions, he or she should arrange for that Member to be informed. Perhaps we can now get on—
§ Madam SpeakerNo. There is no further point of order, I have dealt with the matter.