HC Deb 04 February 1957 vol 564 cc34-7
Mr. Callaghan

I ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House under Standing Order No. 9 to discuss a definite matter of urgent public importance, namely, The statement by the Government of Cyprus that during this present week a new wave of indiscriminate murder is to be launched by terrorists in Cyprus in order to create the maximum turmoil and disorder; to disrupt discipline and teaching in Greek Cypriot schools, and, if possible, to bring about clashes between the school-children and security forces; to enforce by threats and intimidation the closure of shops and business premises; by similar methods to bring about an enforced strike of Greek Cypriot labour; and by acts of calculated provocation to inflame inter-racial animosity to the point of communal rioting and disorder. I have taken the words which are contained in this Motion from a despatch in The Times this morning. If I may submit it to you with respect, Mr. Speaker, they seem to be both urgent and definite and certainly to be a matter of public importance. In giving your decision, may I ask you to take into account the unlikelihood of any debate upon this matter this week, especially as Colonial Office Questions are in a very low place on the Order Paper and are unlikely to be reached during Wednesday's period of Oral Questions?

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member asks leave to move the Adjournment of the House, to discuss a definite matter of urgent public importance, namely, The statement by the Government of Cyprus that during this present week a new wave of indiscriminate murder is to be launched by terrorists in Cyprus in order to create the maximum turmoil and disorder; to disrupt discipline and teaching in Greek Cypriot schools, and, if possible, to bring about clashes between the school-children and security forces; to enforce by threats and intimidation the closure of shops and business premises; by similar methods to bring about an enforced strike of Greek Cypriot labour; and by acts of calculated provocation to inflame inter-racial animosity to the point of communal rioting and disorder. I have considered this, as the hon. Member was good enough to give me a copy of this Motion just before Questions, and I must say that I do not think that it comes within the Standing Order. The hon. Member mentioned the fact that no debate on Cyprus has been arranged for the immediate future, but I do not think that that is a matter which I am entitled to take into consideration in construing Standing Order No. 9. If the House desires a debate it generally contrives to get one.

This statement by the Government of Cyprus appears to me to be a forecast of something that may happen in the future. According to the hon. Member's Motion, nothing has happened yet. I therefore think that it is not urgent. As nothing has happened, and in so far as it is a forecast and all forecasts are liable to be falsified by the events, I think to that extent it is hypothetical. I therefore do not think that I could bring this within Standing Order No. 9.

Mr. Callaghan

Further to that point of order. I appreciate your Ruling, Mr. Speaker, but I submit to you that what I am seeking to discuss is not the hypothetical consequence of what may or may not take place, although already there are reports this morning of killings; but what I am seeking to discuss is the statement by the Government of Cyprus. Either this statement is founded on well-informed sources—and I have no doubt that it is—in which case it is certainly a matter of which the House should take notice; or else it is mischievous in the extreme, because it is calculated to foment trouble where none should exist.

I myself think that the first is the more probable. With respect, I am not asking permission to discuss a hypothetical matter. I am asking permission to discuss the statement by the Government of Cyprus which is calculated to lead to the gravest troubles in that island.

Mr. Speaker

I do not think that the statement in itself would justify me in applying the Standing Order to it. It is a statement of something that may or may not happen. The statement may be right or it may be wrong, but, so far, it is only a statement.

Mr. J. Griffiths

May I, with respect, submit to you, Mr. Speaker, that a statement by the Government of Cyprus, which is a colonial Government, is a statement on behalf of Her Majesty's Government in this country; and that here we have an indication that they are afraid that in this week in Cyprus the terror will increase and communal strife, with all its consequent bitterness, will increase. Is it not therefore right and proper for us to submit to you, with respect, that the House ought to have an opportunity, before this tragedy goes further, to discuss this matter so that the House may contribute towards a solution of this problem and the prevention of the crimes which are expected this week?

Mr. Speaker

I express no opinion whether or not the House should have an early opportunity of discussing the Cyprus situation. That is a matter entirely for the House. If there is the desire for a debate, I have no doubt that it can be met. But I am asked to construe the Standing Order procedure merely on a statement by the Government of Cyprus as to what it apprehends may happen—because no one can be a certain prophet in this world; and I cannot bring that within the Standing Order, much as I regret it.

Mr. Callaghan

While I appreciate your Ruling on the matter, Mr. Speaker, and, of course, we adhere to it, may I ask you whether you would allow me, through you, to ask the Leader of the House whether we can expect an early statement on the most serious and grave news which has reached us from the Government of Cyprus?

The Secretary of State for the Home Department and Lord Privy Seal (Mr. R. A. Butler)

As a matter of fact, I had notice of the hon. Member's intention to move the Motion only a few minutes ago. I should like time to consider it with my right hon. Friends. Perhaps we might exchange views through the usual channels when we have had time to consider the hon. Member's representation.

Mr. Hector Hughes

Further to that point of order—

Mr. Speaker

There is no point of order. I have considered this matter very carefully, and understanding, I think, all the issues which are involved, I have come to the best decision that I can; and I hope that it will be adhered to. I cannot permit argument on it now.

Mr. Brockway

May I put a new point of order, Sir? The point I want to put to you, with all respect, Mr. Speaker, is this: if the apprehensions of the Government of Cyprus are fulfilled, will it be in order during this week again to move a Motion under Standing Order No. 9?

Mr. Speaker

We must wait and see what happens. I must act on definite facts and not on forecasts.