§ 2.35 p.m.
§ VISCOUNT STANSGATEMy Lords, I beg to mention a question in privilege, of which I have already given notice to the noble Lord, Lord Vansittart, who expressed his intention of being present if possible. I beg to give notice that at an early date I shall move the House in the following terms: To draw attention to the speech of the noble Lord, Lord Vansittart, in this House, on Wednesday, 29th March last, in which, contrary to the accepted usage of this House, he made imputations upon the conduct of a member of this House—namely, the Lord Bishop of l3radford, without having given him prior notice thereof; and in which, further, without due regard to their truth or falsity, and without sufficient investigation, he made serious allegations against the character and conduct of certain persons or groups of persons by name, who, owing to the Privilege of Parliament, have neither remedy nor opportunity to vindicate or defend themselves; and to move to resolve, That this House, ever jealously regarding the Privilege of Parliament, is no less zealous to provide against its abuse, and regrets that the noble Lord, Lord Vansittart, in the speech which he made in this House on March 29 last, did not use due care in the exercise of the Privilege of Parliament.