Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 4:29 pm on 28 October 1998.
David Winnick
Labour, Walsall North
4:29,
28 October 1998
Further to that point of order, Madam Speaker. Many of us are very concerned that the court decision could result in Pinochet leaving the country without a debate in this House. I recognise that what has happened so far has been strictly in accordance with the rules. The Home Secretary was not in a position to make a statement, because the matter was sub judice. However, should there be any possibility of that former murderous dictator leaving the country, the House should be able to have a debate first.
I have noted the ruling that you gave yesterday, Madam Speaker. However, you will have noted that there have, rightly, been endless articles in the media about Pinochet and the terrible crimes that were committed when he was a dictator. It would be most unfortunate, to say the least, if, because of court rulings, Pinochet were able to leave the country on Thursday, for example, without the House being able to debate the subject. I hope that you will give that careful consideration. I make no apology for my strength of feeling and that of my hon. Friends about that murderous criminal.
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