HC Deb 08 December 1932 vol 272 cc1795-6
Mr. LANSBURY

I beg to ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House in order to call attention to a definite matter of urgent public importance, namely: the declaration of His Majesty's Government of its intention to take whatever steps it may think fit to protect the interests of the Anglo-Persian Oil Company.

Mr. SPEAKER

The right hon. Gentleman the Leader of the Opposition has asked leave to move the Adjournment of the House in order to call attention to a definite matter of urgent public importance, namely: the declaration of the Government of its intention to take whatever steps it may think fit to protect the interests of the Anglo-Persian Oil Company. The right hon. Gentleman will realise that, in considering this Motion, I am entirely governed by Standing Order No. 10, which lays down that the matters to be discussed on the Adjournment of the House, on a Motion of this kind, must be definite. It seems to me that this Motion does not come within that Standing Order, in that its terms are not definite, and therefore I cannot allow it.

Mr. LANSBURY

May I submit, Sir, that it is definite owing to the statement that if, in the judgment of His Majesty's Government, or of our representatives in Persia, to-night, some damage may be threatened, or may take place, His Majesty's Government would in such circumstances take action which might lead to war. I respectfully submit that it is definite to that extent.

Mr. SPEAKER

I can quite understand the point which the right hon. Gentleman is putting to me, but he will realise that I must be governed entirely by the Standing Order on this question. The Motion, as he has submitted it, is based on a hypothetical consideration and some action, which is not defined, but which, if certain circumstances arise, the Government may take. Neither of these could be described as definite matters. In those circumstances, it is impossible for me, if I keep to the Standing Orders, to give my consent to this Motion.

Mr. LANSBURY

Of course, Mr. Speaker, I am obliged to accept your decision on that matter, but I think it extremely unfortunate that such a statement should have been made.