HC Deb 12 February 1960 vol 617 c916

3.58 p.m.

Mr. Ellis Smith (Stoke-on-Trent, South)

I beg to move, That this House urges Her Majesty's Government to introduce substantial increases in the benefits which are paid to those who are unemployed, sick, disabled, and in receipt of retirement benefits, and to remove the limitation on earnings. Having sat here since eleven o'clock, I now wish to explain my Motion. It deals—

Mr. Speaker

Order.

Mr. Ellis Smith

Mr. Speaker, it is not yet four o'clock and I want to explain the Motion which stands in my name.

We have been subjected today to the most unscrupulous, ruthless and irresponsibly organised campaign by the hon. Member for Derbyshire, West (Mr. E. Wakefield), a Government Whip, in preventing the House from dealing with one of the most urgent questions facing the sick, the unemployed, the disabled and the old age pensioners in this—

country. I should like to say Mr. Speaker

Order.

Mr. Ellis Smith

—that—

Hon. Members

Sit down.

Mr. Speaker

Order. If the hon. Member cannot behave himself, I shall be obliged to resort to disciplinary powers.