§ Mr. Andrew Robathan accordingly presented a Bill to make provision for enforcement of the Ministerial Code of Conduct: And the same was read the First time; and ordered to be read a Second time on Friday 21 July, and to be printed [Bill 147].
§ 4.14 pm
§ Mr. Christopher Leslie (Shipley)On a point of order, Madam Speaker. I am genuinely concerned about the use of the ten-minute Bill procedure for individual venting of spleen, especially when the Select Committee on Standard and Privileges has dealt with the matter on behalf of the House. 1 am concerned that Members should be able somehow to circumvent the judgment of that Committee when the procedure should be used for other purposes.
§ Madam SpeakerThat is not a point of order. As I explained during the speech of the hon. Member for Blaby (Mr. Robathan), I listened carefully to every word he uttered and was ready to stop him if he went too far or failed to remain within our rules of procedure. However, let me say again those wise words of "Erskine May", which I have not repeated in the House for some time:
Good temper and moderation are the characteristics of parliamentary language.I hope that hon. Members on both sides will take those words to heart.