§ Ann Clwyd (Cynon Valley)On a point of order, Madam Speaker. You may recall—[Interruption.]
§ Madam SpeakerOrder. I am sorry, but I cannot hear the hon. Lady. Will hon. Members leaving the Chamber please do so quietly? The conversations are far too loud.
§ Ann ClwydThank you, Madam Speaker. You may recall that in the United States last week, damages of £65 million were granted against the author of a website which listed 200 doctors in the United States who carry out abortions. They were described as "baby butchers" and the damages were awarded because it was considered that the website amounted to death threats. I raise this matter in the House because three doctors on the list were murdered, and there were attempts to murder other doctors. There have been 39 bombings of abortion clinics and 99 acid attacks in recent years.
On a similar worldwide website—entitled "Christian pro-life against abortion and pro-choice murderers"—are listed 62 hon. Members of this House. The implication is that they are all pro-murder. Lawyers have advised me that the comments in which the information is included are defamatory. I would be grateful, in view of the implied threat, if you would investigate the matter.
§ Mrs. Alice Mahon (Halifax)Further to that point of order, Madam Speaker. These Christian fundamentalists, with their obsessive hatred of anybody who opposes their view, deliberately incite violence against individuals. Many of us, as Members of Parliament, have been threatened and intimidated, including the late and wonderful Jo Richardson. Given that the information is on a worldwide website, can you ensure that the British groups—supported by certain hon. Members—with links with US groups advocating murder and terrorism are properly investigated by the appropriate authorities?
§ Madam SpeakerThe hon. Ladies seemed to imply that this may be a matter of privilege. If they think that, they should put the matter to me in writing. This is the first intimation that I have had of it. I will look into the matter, but if it is thought that there is privilege involved, I urge them to let me have the information in writing, so that I can investigate it properly.