§ Brigadier-General SPEARSI beg to ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House for the purpose of discussing a definite matter of urgent public importance, namely,
the circumstances under which three officers of the Criminal Investigation Department assaulted Flying-Officer Fitzpatrick in Gillingham Street, on 14th July.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. and gallant Member asks leave to move the Adjournment of the House for the purpose of discussing a definite matter of urgent public importance, namely,
the circumstances under which three officers of the Criminal Investigation Department assaulted Flying-Officer Fitzpatrick in Gillingham Street on 14th July.It appears to me that, in deciding whether I can allow this Motion, I have to consider many points, aria one of them is whether this question can be discussed at an early date. As it appears to me that it can equally well be discussed on the Motion for the Adjournment on Friday, and probably more usefully, I cannot allow the Motion.
§ Brigadier-General SPEARSMay I give notice that I will raise the question on the Adjournment Motion on Friday?
§ Later—
§ Mr. SPEAKERIn giving my Ruling in reply to the hon. and gallant Gentleman the Member for Carlisle (Brigadier-General Spears) when he asked leave to Move the Adjournment of the House under Standing Order No. 10, I am afraid I misled the House. I said, quite rightly, that this question could be raised at an early date, and I gave as an instance the Adjournment on Friday. On second thoughts I have come to the conclusion that the question could equally be raised on the Appropriation Bill to-day or tomorrow without any Motion for the Adjournment of the House at all, so, if the House thinks fit, it can debate the question on the Appropriation Bill.
§ Sir MURDOCH MCKENZIE WOODIf this discussion is taken on the Appropriation Bill or the Adjournment, it will not be possible to take a vote of the House, and on a matter of this kind the House ought to have an opportunity, if it so desires, to take a vote.
§ Mr. LANSBURYMay I ask whether there is anything to prevent us from voting against the Consolidated Fund Bill if we so desire in order to show our disapproval of the action of the Home Secretary, or anything else?
§ Mr. SPEAKERIn reply to the hon. Gentleman who asked me whether we could take a vote, very many questions are raised on the Consolidated Fund Bill which interest Members extremely, and on which they would like to take a vote, but they do not take a vote.
§ Brigadier-General SPEARSIn thanking you, Sir, for what you have said, may I give notice that I will take advantage of your Ruling and raise the matter this evening?