§ Mr. Peter Robinson (Belfast, East)On a point of order, Madam Speaker. On Wednesday 6 May, during Prime Minister's questions, the Leader of the Opposition sought to gain an undertaking from the Prime Minister in relation to the Government's intentions as far as the release of prisoners was concerned. Column 711 of Hansard shows that he asked:
Does he"—that is, the Prime Minister—agree that prisoners should not be released early until the organisations to which they belong have substantially decommissioned their weapons?"—[Official Report, 6 May 1998; Vol. 311, c. 711.]A Press Association report of the Prime Minister's response shows that, early in his response, he said:The answer to your question is, yes, of course it is the case that both in respect of taking seats in the government of Northern Ireland and the early release of prisoners".Those words are not contained in the Hansard of that day's proceedings. I checked with the video recording unit of the House, and I found that it is the Press Association report and not Hansard that is accurate.The words that are important and significant have been expunged from the record of the House. Clearly, someone acting for, or on behalf of, the Prime Minister has tampered with the record of proceedings in the House. Is it in order for such a serious extraction and deletion from the record of proceedings to take place by the Government, or indeed by any other Member of the House?
§ Sir George Young (North-West Hampshire)Further to that point of order, Madam Speaker. The hon. Member for Belfast, East (Mr. Robinson) has raised an important issue that could impact on the peace process in Northern Ireland, and which could have implications for the integrity of our proceedings in the House. As the stakes are quite high, is not the best way to proceed for you, Madam Speaker, to ask the Editor of Hansard for a full report into the issue that has been raised, and for you then to report back to the House?
§ Madam SpeakerI intend to do just that. We shall now proceed.
§ Mr. William Ross (East Londonderry)Further to that point of order, Madam Speaker.
§ Madam SpeakerNo, I have given a ruling. I am very grateful to the hon. Members who have raised the matter with me. I have the documentation, and I intend to look at it as soon as I am able to do so.