Points of Order

David Winnick Excerpts

Tuesday 22nd March 2016 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

We have such a person. I can say only that I shall always profit by the counsels of the hon. Gentleman.

[Mr David Winnick (Walsall North) (Lab)]

Further to that point of order, Mr Speaker.

[Mr Speaker]

Is it on an unrelated matter?

[Mr Winnick]

The same matter.

[Mr Speaker]

I do not know that there is more to add, but I will give the hon. Gentleman the benefit of the doubt—he is a very experienced Member. I have tried to treat of this matter fairly and factually, but of course I will take a point of order from the hon. Gentleman if he persists.

[Mr Winnick]

The point of order I wish to raise with you, Mr Speaker, is simply this: in view of the obvious contempt that this person has shown for the House of Commons, would it not be appropriate for him to appear at the Bar of the House? [Hon. Members: “Hear, hear.”] There have been occasions in the past when that has occurred, and the House of Commons has shown that it will not tolerate such contempt. I put it to you that that could perhaps be considered as well.

[Mr Speaker]

I am very grateful to the hon. Gentleman for his point of order. I recognise that there are historical precedents, but it is only right for me to say that it is not for me to make any such decision. If we were to get to that point, and I am not suggesting that we shall do so—I am not seeking to anticipate events—that would be a matter for the House to decide, but I hope that I have dealt fairly, squarely and intelligibly with the important matter that the Chair of the Select Committee and others have raised.