Points of Order

Robert Halfon Excerpts

Wednesday 20th July 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Members should take responsibility for their own statements, and of course they should not make defamatory statements about other Members, but the right hon. Gentleman is raising his point of order in the abstract, so for me it becomes hypothetical. The Speaker, I think wisely, does not seek to respond to hypothetical questions.

[Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con)]

On a point of order, Mr Speaker.

[Mr Speaker]

Point of order, Mr Robert Halfon. I hope it is the last.

[Robert Halfon]

Following your earlier remarks about reviewing security given the incident yesterday, Mr Speaker, will you ensure that the public continue to have the right to go to Select Committees, and that their right is not restricted?

[Mr Speaker]

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for his point of order. The right to attend meetings in the way that he describes is a very long-established and precious freedom. I think it would be quite wrong for me to seek to constrain or circumscribe what an independent investigation can cover and recommend, but the point he makes is an important one. I have underlined its importance, and I think many people will share his point of view.