Stonehouse told to leave House

Press, Volume CXVI, Issue 34129, 15 April 1976, Page 13

Stonehouse told to leave House

(New Zealand. Press Association—Copyright) LONDON, April 14. Mr John Stonehouse was ordered from the House of Commons last night by the Deputy Speaker (Sir Myer Galpern), and was handed over to the police, who escorted him from the precincts of the House.

The incident occurred after Mr Stonehouse had referred to an alleged “association” between the Prime Minister (Mr Callaghan) and a banker. Sir Julian Hodge.

Mr Stonehouse, calling for a House examination of “the activities of Sir Julian Hodge in Cardiff” said: “I am not making any personal attack on the Prime Minister, but his association with Sir Julian has been brought into question.” Sir Myer promptly ordered Mr Stonehouse to discontinue his speech, . under a standing order relating to disorderly conduct, Mr Stonehouse thereupon said that he wanted to challenge the ruling, and, after further argument, was ordered by Sir Myer to leave the Chamber. He calmly left his seat, bowed at the Bar of the House, and walked out. Later, outside the Chamber, Mr Stonehouse said that he would again raise the matter in the Commons, today. “It is the country that will ask why it is, when a member of Parliament is raising issues which are being discussed outside Parliament, and which are matters of grave public concern. he is shut up in this way,” he said. Later, at his home, Mr Stonehouse said: “It shows the decay of Parliamentary democracy and the state we have reached that this can happen. Certain allegations are being widely made outside the House, and it is important to clear the air. If you cannot say this inside the House, where on earth can you?” Mr Stonehouse will lose a days pay for his misdemeanour