HC Deb 12 November 1996 vol 285 c171 4.24 pm
Mr. Hugh Bayley (York)

On a point of order, Madam Speaker. On 7 November, I put to the Deputy Prime Minister a point concerning the hon. Member for Epping Forest (Mr. Norris). It has been drawn to my attention that what I said implied that the hon. Gentleman had behaved in an improper manner in his relationship with Capital City Bus—in particular, that he had accepted a seat on the board of a company that he had been responsible for privatising. Unfortunately, I had been misinformed about the matter—[Interruption.] I now accept—[Interruption.] I now accept —[Interruption.]

Madam Speaker

Order. Listen to the hon. Gentleman when he is speaking to the House.

Mr. Bayley

I now accept that the company had never been in the public sector and I therefore wish to apologise to the hon. Member for Epping Forest and the House.

Madam Speaker

Statements such as that should be listened to in silence, not heckled. I deprecate very much what took place during that statement.