Mr Speaker
Before we come to questions, I wish to make a short statement. Numerous right hon. and hon. Members from across the House have written to ask me to give precedence to a matter as an issue of privilege. One of those letters is from the Leader of the Opposition. The matter concerns the Prime Minister’s answers to the House about the process for the appointment of Peter Mandelson and related issues.
I think it would be helpful to the House if I explained my role in deciding whether a complaint should be put to the House. Privilege issues should only be brought to the House sparingly, and it is my duty to act as a gatekeeper to ensure that frivolous applications are not taken forward. As a gatekeeper, my role is to decide whether an hon. Member has made a case that the House itself should be able to consider, not to decide whether someone is likely to have committed a contempt. If precedence is given, the Member tables a motion for debate. At the end of that debate, the House itself takes a decision on whether the matter should be taken further.
Some may be wondering why this issue is being looked at now. To be clear, I cannot determine when an application is made—I have to consider any application when it comes to me. In this case, having taken advice, I have decided to allow the House to come to a view on whether the Committee of Privileges should look at the matter. It is not for me to make any decision or come to any view. Therefore, the Leader of the Opposition will have the opportunity to put the matter to the House tomorrow. The debate will be taken after any urgent questions and statements and any ten-minute rule Bill.