Reflections on Royal Family

– in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 24 July 1978.

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Photo of Mr Tom Litterick Mr Tom Litterick , Birmingham, Selly Oak 12:00, 24 July 1978

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. During business questions last Thursday, you ruled that a reference by myself to Mr. Angus Ogilvy was not in order because you said that I was referring to a member of the Royal Family".—[Official Report, 20th July 1978; Vol. 954, c. 797.] I seek guidance on this matter, and I think that the House requires such guidance. The person referred to was, of course, in a sense attached to the Royal Family in a way which we all understand. My question is whether that kind of connection necessarily makes such an individual a member of the Royal Family? What, for example, would be the position of Lord Snowdon who was, but now is not, attached to the Royal Family? Finally, would it not be safer if hon. Members had a published list of the names of those individuals whom you, Mr. Speaker, consider to be members of the Royal Family and, therefore, against whom we cannot make political remarks?

Photo of Mr George Thomas Mr George Thomas , Cardiff West

I would say to the hon. Member for Birmingham, Selly Oak (Mr. Litterick) that the person to whom he referred is a member of the Royal Family who has not taken a title. But it is quite well known that he is a member of the Royal Family. With regard to the other part of the hon. Gentleman's question, if courteous references are made, there is no need to publish a list. Normal courtesies are what we expect in this House.