HC Deb 16 February 1996 vol 271 cc1313-4

Order read for resuming adjourned debate on Question [26 January], That the Bill be read a Second time.

Hon. Members

Object.

Debate to be resumed on Friday 1 March.

Mr. Simon Hughes

On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. The hon. Member for Luton North (Mr. Carlisle) raised a point of order in the dying moments of today's sitting. Could you investigate whether the hon. Gentleman should be required, even at that stage, to declare his interest in the Bill? I realise that the subject has just been placed partly within the remit of the Commissioner for Standards, as well as being within your remit and that of Madam Speaker. Two of the hon. Gentleman's interests listed in the Register of Members' Interests appear to be pertinent, and I wonder whether the House and the public should be aware when someone tries to block a Bill, by whatever means. Whatever the interest of the hon. Member concerned, should it not be declared and appear in the record of the debate in the House?

Madam Deputy Speaker

That is not a matter with which I can deal. If there are any complaints, I think that they should go to the commissioner.

Mr. John Carlisle

Further to that point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. I wonder whether it should be stated on the record that the hon. Member for Southwark and Bermondsey (Mr. Hughes), who has just made that objection, should be accurate in his assessment. It is, of course, for you to judge Madam Deputy Speaker whether he is out of order. Are you satisfied that the accusation that he has just made against me as an individual Member is entirely accurate in terms of my interests in this place?

Madam Deputy Speaker

I made it perfectly clear that I did not regard it as a matter for me, but if an hon. Member felt that there was cause for complaint—about which I did not judge—there was a proper course of action to take. That should settle the matter.

Mr. Carlisle

Further to that point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. Entirely untrue and inaccurate aspersions have been cast which show that the hon. Member for Southwark and Bermondsey has not kept up to date with the Register of Members' Interests. He has a rather out-of-date copy. When such aspersions, which are without foundation, are cast on an hon. Member's name and character, has he any way. through you, of clearing his name, or does he have sit here accused and unable to say that he is not guilty?

Madam Deputy Speaker

I presume that it will also be open to the hon. Member to make that point to the commissioner.

Mr. Carlisle

rose—

Madam Deputy Speaker

Order. I have had enough.