Rules of Debate / Unparliamentary Language

Unparliamentary language

Debates pp. 4193-4

Background

During Oral Questions on May 28, Mr. Lundrigan (Gander-Twillingate) demanded that Mr. Davis (Minister of the Environment and Fisheries) withdraw remarks he had made in the course of a statement outside the House, which Mr. Lundrigan described as nothing but "lies and fabrications". The Speaker intervened to warn the Member against using unparliamentary language. A debate ensued, and, in order to determine whether the Standing Order applied to an accusation regarding conduct or statements outside the House, the Speaker reserved comment. The following day, the Speaker suggested that the matter be held in abeyance and not decided in an atmosphere of "considerable stress in relation to this very serious and contentious issue".

Issue

Can a Member accuse another of having lied in a statement made outside the House of Commons?

Decision

The terms used were improper and other, more acceptable ways exist to express the idea in accordance with the customs of the House. However, the entire issue might be referred to the Standing Committee on Procedure and Organization for clarification. [On May 31, the House agreed that the whole issue of statements made by Members outside the House be referred to the Standing Committee on Procedure and Organization.]

Reasons given by the Speaker

It is "difficult to agree with the proposition that so-called unparliamentary language would be irregular when it refers to the conduct or statements of Members inside the House, but that the same so-called unparliamentary language would be acceptable when relating to events outside the Chamber". The Standing Orders stipulate that no Member shall use offensive words against either House or against any Member. "It should be possible for Members to express strong views and to oppose other Members vigorously without using offensive expressions which by long-established practice and tradition and by the common consent of Members, are not acceptable in debate ... If Members believe that the rules relating to the use of so-called unparliamentary language [are no longer relevant] ... it is up to the Members themselves to make these changes."

Sources cited

Standing Order 35.

Beauchesne, 4th ed., pp. 131-2, c. 155(3).

References

Journals, May 31, 1973, p. 357.

Debates, May 28, 1973, pp. 4152-6; May 30, 1973, p. 4239; May 31, 1973, pp. 4279-81.