CONDUCT OF THE MEMBER FOR ANSON (Announcement by Mr Speaker)

[Mr Speaker in the Chair]

Mr Speaker: On the 20th March 1986, the Member for Anson rose under Standing Order 95(7)(b) to make a complaint of a breach of privilege, alleging aspersions on the office of the Speaker by an hon. Member of this House. Under the Standing Order, I ruled against reference of the matter of the complaint to the Committee of Privileges.

During Question Time on the 26th March 1986, the Member for Anson again made reference to his complaint.

It is, I think, a sad detraction from the dignity of this House when the position of the Speaker is manipulated as a means to impeach an hon. Member. As the Speaker I will see to it that this will not be allowed to happen.

It also saddens me to have to refer a complaint against any hon. Member to the Committee of Privileges, especially when the matter of the complaint involves non-declaration of a personal pecuniary interest. I should have thought that it would have been easy enough for an hon. Member to declare his interest in a matter or, where his omission has been due to an oversight, to apologize and make his declaration when his failure to do so is brought to his attention.

Now, Questions for Oral Answer.

Mr J.B. Jeyaretnam (Anson): Mr Speaker, Sir, may I make a personal statement on that?

Mr Speaker: I have considered the matter closed.

Mr Jeyaretnam: Well, you have made some remarks. I would like to make a personal statement. If you say no, I will sit down.

Mr Speaker: I say no.

Mr Jeyaretnam: You say no, all right. Thank you.