Annex 16
Points of Order (Hansard,
5 February 2009, Col 1004)
1.14 pm
Damian Green (Ashford)
(Con): On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. I refer to the
Speaker's statement earlier today. In it, he referred to the investigations
that he had made since the point of order that my right hon. Friend
the Member for Haltemprice and Howden (David Davis) raised about
the police's desire to look through e-mails sent between us. I
find it extraordinary that, in a matter that concerns e-mails,
which may be private, between two Members, the House authorities
did not approach me to establish facts, but approached the Metropolitan
police and took only their version of events as the basis for
a Speaker's statement. In addition, and even more seriously, the
House will wish to know that Mr. Speaker has declined my request
for the Standards and Privileges Committee to look at material
seized from my office to decide what is privileged. Instead, the
Clerks of the House
Madam Deputy Speaker (Sylvia Heal): Order.
The hon. Gentleman is an experienced Member and knows that that
is not the appropriate way in which to question the Speaker's
statement. Clearly, I will ensure that his remarks are brought
to Mr. Speaker's attention.
Damian Green: Further to my point of
order, Madam Deputy Speaker. It is absurd that I can say things
outside the House, but not inside
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order.
Damian Green: I
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order. I have already
made a ruling. It is open to the hon. Gentleman to write to Mr.
Speaker in addition to the action that I shall take in ensuring
that his comments are drawn to the Speaker's attention.
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