§ Mr. David Youngasked the Lord Privy Seal if Her Majesty's Government will introduce legislation to codify in statute law the rights of Members of Parliament of freedom from arrest in performing their parliamentary duties; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BiffenNo.
§ Mr. David Youngasked the Lord Privy Seal if Her Majesty's Government will introduce legislation to extend the rights of Members of Parliament of freedom from arrest in connection with their parliamentary duties to correspond with those enjoyed by Members of the European Parliament in connection with their parliamentary duties where the latter immunities are more extensive; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BiffenThe scope of the ancient privilege of the House of Commons of Members' freedom from arrest rests on the law and custom of this Parliament. I see no reason to change this.