§ Mr. A. HendersonI 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 refusal of His Majesty's Government to give an assurance that, so long as the existing legitimate Government of Spain continues there shall be no recognition of the Spanish insurgent authorities as the de facto or de jure Government of that country.
§ Mr. SpeakerI am sure the House will recognise that, really, to give permission to move the Adjournment of the House on a matter of this sort would be stretching the Standing Order very much beyond its proper limits. The Standing Order is meant to deal with something that has occurred and is of urgent public importance, but this is a matter which may occur, so that really it is not a definite matter at all.
§ Mr. HendersonThe Prime Minister stated that conditions in Spain were rapidly changing, and he refused to commit the Government in relation to this possible major change in policy; and it might be that His Majesty's Government might recognise the Spanish insurgent authorities before this House had had time to express its opinion upon it.
§ Mr. SpeakerThe fact that conditions are rapidly changing makes it clear that this is not a definite matter.
§ Mr. BennMay I ask you, Sir, whether you heard that part of the Prime Minister's answer in which he declined to consult this House before coming to a decision?
§ Mr. SpeakerThat is not the matter which is mentioned on this Motion.