for questioning the Speaker's hearing last night.

Mr. Allen had claimed the Richards, Francis and Francis law firm was going out of business because of financial dealings.

But Deputy Premier Mr. Dill said it was "vicious, cruel misinformation'', at first mistakenly attributing the comment to Renee Webb. He apologised to Ms.

Webb when the Opposition benches erupted in furore.

But Mr. Dill said: "The honourable member, Mr. David Allen, did say that and I don't know whether he was under the influence or not.'' An angry Mr. Allen confronted the Speaker, saying: "Those remarks were very improper. He asked if I was under the influence. Did you hear that Mr.

Speaker?'' Speaker Ernest DeCouto replied that he had not heard the remark and Mr. Allen quipped: "I sometimes question whether your hearing is accurate.'' But the Speaker, raising his voice, asked: "What did you say to the Speaker? I ask you to withdraw from the Chamber. I'm not going to take an apology.'' The drama came at 8.25 p.m., 25 minutes before MPs stood down for the evening.