Question of Privilege
December 11, 1984
Possible abuse, accusations
Hon. John Bosley
Speaker of the House
Ruling Text
The statements made by Mr. Robinson did not constitute a contempt of Parliament as defined in Halsbury's Laws of England (obstructing or impeding any Member or official of the House in the discharge of his or her duty). By precedent, the conduct of a Member, even though reprehensible, cannot form the basis of a question of privilege, though a charge may be made by means of a substantive motion. A Member may state whatever he or she thinks fit in debate without further consequences to himself or herself.
Edit Metadata
Holding
"A Member's statements in debate, even if reprehensible, do not constitute contempt of Parliament or a valid question of privilege; such matters must be addressed through a substantive motion."
AI Summary
The Speaker ruled that a Member's reprehensible speech in debate is not a breach of privilege and must be challenged via a substantive motion.
AI Analysis
- Outcome
- Denied
- Tone
- Educational
- Procedural Stage
- Debate
- Significance
Low
High