The interesting report from the Committee of Privileges, on the
question of Captain Ramsay, was challenged by Sir Irving Albery, Mr. Maxton, Mr. Craik Henderson and others on a variety of grounds. Mr. Denman, who on these matters combines a quiet erudition with a sober common sense, spoke well for the Committee. It is, of course, true that Captain Ramsay's constituency is disfranchised ; but so, virtually, are those of many Service members. Perhaps constituents will think twice before electing members who are likely to take such extreme views as the Member for Peebles and Mid- lothian. The report repays reading, and is a careful elucida- tion of the existing position. Whether Regulation i8B is a right one or whether the present Privileges of the House need limiting or enlarging, are separate questions. Freedom from arrest has been claimed- except for indictable offences, which include treason, felony, and breach of the peace. The case of John Wilkes added seditious libels. Some members tried to maintain that Captain Ramsay's case fell on debatable ground between civil and criminal offences.
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