§ Mr. SpeakerYesterday, the hon. Member for Ealing, Acton and Shepherd's Bush (Mr. Soley) raised as a point of order a complaint about a letter that he had received from the editor of The Sun.He regarded that letter as a threat that would in effect be a breach of his privileges as a Member of Parliament. I promised that I would look into the matter. The hon. Gentleman will recall that we had already exchanged letters on this matter. As I have indicated to him, "Erskine May" records, on page 121, that
privilege applies in relation to obstruction of Members in the discharge of their responsibilities to the House or in their participation in its proceedings".It goes on to point out that "not all responsibilities assumed by Members fall within this definition".I have considered the matter carefully, and I can understand the hon. Gentleman's concern, but I am bound by the rules of the House relating to such matters, and I do not believe that the correspondence raises any issues on which I can intervene.
May I point out to the House that complaints of breach of privilege should always be made to me in writing? The procedure for doing so is set out on page 144 of "Erskine May".
§ Mr. Clive Soley (Ealing, Acton and Shepherd's Bush)I am grateful to you, Mr. Speaker, for that clarification, and for making it clear to the House that the issue is as it is. I never claimed privilege on the issue. I think that when a multinational newspaper organisation uses an editor to reply to a Member when they have not been involved in any discussions, it is right that the House should be aware of it. I am very grateful that you have placed that on the record in the way that you have.