Complaint of Privilege

– in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 16 March 1965.

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Photo of Sir Harry Hylton-Foster Sir Harry Hylton-Foster , Cities of London and Westminster 12:00, 16 March 1965

Yesterday, the hon. Member for Yarmouth (Mr. Fell) raised with me a complaint of privilege founded upon a leading article in the Eastern Daily Press of last Saturday, which the Clerk read to the House.

I have given very careful consideration indeed to the hon. Member's complaint. In the light of the precedents, and in view of the opinion which I have formed, I had better say as little as possible about the article. It is my view that the article does not, prima facie, constitute a contempt of this House and it does not, prima facie, involve a breach of any of its privileges.

That means that I cannot allow the hon. Member's complaint precedence over the Orders of the Day, but that has no effect on what the House may choose to do in the matter should it be raised as a substantive Motion.

Photo of Mr Anthony Fell Mr Anthony Fell , Yarmouth

I am grateful to you, Mr. Speaker, for your careful consideration of this matter. I shall forthwith set down a Motion.