After making a speech, you may realise that you inadvertently included some incorrect content, and you wish to correct the record giving the accurate information. This can only be done to correct an error. It cannot be done to provide new information or to continue an argument.
You can make a correction in one of two ways:
- By making a point of order in the Chamber, which Hansard will then cross-reference with your original speech. If you wish to do this, please use something similar to the following form of words so that your correction can be clearly made: On a point of order. I wanted to come to the House to correct something I said on [date] recorded in column [number] of Hansard that was factually inaccurate. I said that [insert inaccurate information]. I have since learnt that this is not accurate and that [insert correct information].
- By contacting Hansard and asking to submit a written correction. To do this contact the Hansard Managing Editors at hansardmes@parliament.uk.
The correction should be similar to the following form of words:
I have identified an error in my speech/question on [date] [column number of Hansard] I said: [insert inaccurate information]. The correct information should have been: [insert correct information].
If your written correction is being used to provide new information or to continue an argument, then it is not a valid correction and will not be treated as such.
Example: A Member says that their local council had ringfenced a budget of £60,000 for some repair works. In fact, the figure was £50,000. They could correct the record with the accurate figure.
A correction could not be made to provide updated figures (i.e., the figure used in the speech was correct at the time but had since changed), additional figures (i.e., to say the council had also ringfenced £100,000 for flood prevention) or to add further arguments about those figures (i.e to add that this funding was not sufficient).