Oral Answers to Questions — Scotland. – in the House of Commons at on 28 July 1925.
Mr Thomas Johnston
, Dundee
asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is now in a position to state the results of his inquiries into the alleged preparations for a revolutionary outbreak in Scotland; and whether the editor of the "Sunday Mail" newspaper has disclosed the particulars alleged to been his possession?
Mr John Gilmour
, Glasgow Pollok
The further inquiries which have been made since the date of the hon. Member's last question have not resulted in confirmation being obtained of the allegations made in the article which appeared in the "Sunday Mail" of the 12th instant. The police are aware of the source from which the article emanated.
Mr Thomas Johnston
, Dundee
Is the right hon. Gentleman taking any steps to put a stop to this sort of thing? Might I ask, in view of the public importance of this question, if the Secretary for Scotland will indicate to the House what steps he proposes to take to deal with newspaper proprietors who let loose these publications upon the public?
Mr George Hardie
, Glasgow Springburn
Does this answer on the part of the Government mean that they are in complete agreement with the papers, who evidently are put up to it by the Government to get disturbances started?
Mr. Speaker:
This newspaper, like some others, seems to have found a mare's nest.
Mr Campbell Stephen
, Glasgow Camlachie
Is not the Lord Advocate going to take proceedings against the proprietors of this newspaper because they are taking money under false pretences?
Mr. Speaker:
The hon. Member had better put down a legal question.
The Speaker is an MP who has been elected to act as Chairman during debates in the House of Commons. He or she is responsible for ensuring that the rules laid down by the House for the carrying out of its business are observed. It is the Speaker who calls MPs to speak, and maintains order in the House. He or she acts as the House's representative in its relations with outside bodies and the other elements of Parliament such as the Lords and the Monarch. The Speaker is also responsible for protecting the interests of minorities in the House. He or she must ensure that the holders of an opinion, however unpopular, are allowed to put across their view without undue obstruction. It is also the Speaker who reprimands, on behalf of the House, an MP brought to the Bar of the House. In the case of disobedience the Speaker can 'name' an MP which results in their suspension from the House for a period. The Speaker must be impartial in all matters. He or she is elected by MPs in the House of Commons but then ceases to be involved in party politics. All sides in the House rely on the Speaker's disinterest. Even after retirement a former Speaker will not take part in political issues. Taking on the office means losing close contact with old colleagues and keeping apart from all groups and interests, even avoiding using the House of Commons dining rooms or bars. The Speaker continues as a Member of Parliament dealing with constituent's letters and problems. By tradition other candidates from the major parties do not contest the Speaker's seat at a General Election. The Speakership dates back to 1377 when Sir Thomas Hungerford was appointed to the role. The title Speaker comes from the fact that the Speaker was the official spokesman of the House of Commons to the Monarch. In the early years of the office, several Speakers suffered violent deaths when they presented unwelcome news to the King. Further information can be obtained from factsheet M2 on the UK Parliament website.
