§ Mr. Michael Brown (Brigg and Cleethorpes)I beg to ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House, under Standing Order No. 1Q, for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter that should have urgent consideration, namely,
the national dock strike.The matter is specific because nearly all the main ports in Britain are strike-bound and no discharge of cargoes is taking place. The matter is important because now that the original cause of the dispute, which started at Immingham dock in my constituency, has been removed, the strike has escalated into a clear attempt by industrial means to challenge the democratic process. Dockers are now on strike for no reason.The House will soon rise for the summer recess. There should, therefore, be an immediate opportunity for this serious matter to be debated. The implications of the strike and the reasons for its escalation have a direct bearing on the country's survival. The strike is now clearly designed to challenge the Government's authority, and has nothing whatsoever to do with the dispute which started at Immingham in my constituency.
§ Mr. SpeakerThe hon. Member for Brigg and Cleethorpes (Mr. Brown) asks leave to move the Adjournment of the House for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter that he thinks should have urgent consideration, namely,
the national dock strike.I listened with care to what the hon. Gentleman said, but I regret that I do not consider that the matter is appropriate for discussion under Standing Order No. 10 and, therefore, I cannot submit his application to the House.