§ Mr. SpeakerI have a statement to make. Several Members have written to me expressing concern that Members of the House who were or who are members of the RMT union might have been, or might be, subject to improper pressure on the part of the union. I have considered whether such information as has been brought to my attention justifies me in giving precedence to a motion to refer the union's actions to the Standards and Privileges Committee. On the information that I now have, I am unable to give Members the precedence they seek.
Let me, however, draw the attention of all Members to part of the House's resolution of 6 November 1995, which states that
it is inconsistent with the dignity of the House, with the duty of a Member to his or her constituents, and with the maintenance of the privilege of freedom of speech, for any Member to enter into any contractual agreement with an outside body, controlling or limiting the Member's complete independence and freedom of action in Parliament, or stipulating that he or she shall act in any way as the representative of such outside body in regard to any matters to be transacted in Parliament".The full text of the resolution is set out on page 33 of the code of conduct.No evidence has been submitted to me that arrangements between Members and the union have been of that contractual nature. The House expects at all times that Members will take the greatest care to ensure that their relationships with all outside bodies will be in strict conformity with our rules.
§ Sir Brian Mawhinney (North-West Cambridgeshire)On a point of order, Mr. Speaker.
§ Mr. SpeakerDoes it relate to this matter?
§ Sir Brian MawhinneyYes. I thank you for that ruling, Mr. Speaker, as one of those who wrote to you. Right hon. and hon. Members will have heard your judgment. Would we be right to assume that your statement should be seen as a warning to outside bodies to stay well clear of any behaviour that might raise even the suspicion of a breach of privilege in the minds of hon. and right hon. Members?
§ Mr. SpeakerThose bodies must interpret my statement as they think fit.
§ Mr. Paul Tyler (North Cornwall)Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker. I am one of the other Members who drew this matter to your attention. Can you confirm that the letter you have seen is the reply to the union on behalf of a number of Members of the House, but that you have not yet seen the letter from the union to Members, which made the apparent threats to which the Leader of the House and other Members have referred?
Will you also confirm, Mr. Speaker, that following my request for the full correspondence to be put in the Library—a request to which the Leader of the House agreed—only part of the correspondence was put there?
§ Mr. SpeakerI will not go into detail about the correspondence that I have received. That last matter is a matter not for me, but for the Leader of the House.