HC Deb 06 December 1961 vol 650 cc1394-5
Sir H. Legge-Bourke

I beg to ask leave, Mr. Speaker, to move the adjournment of the House, under Standing Order No. 9, for the purpose of discussing a definite matter of urgent public importance, namely, the risk of immediate action being taken in the name of the member States by United Nations troops in the Congo which would be inconsistent with the resolutions of the United Nations governing the use of these troops.

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member asks leave to move the adjournment of the House, under Standing Order No. 9, for the purpose of discussing a definite matter of urgent public importance, namely, the risk of immediate action being taken in the name of member States by United Nations troops in the Congo which would be inconsistent with the resolutions of the United Nations governing the use of these troops. I cannot accept the hon. Member's application, because there is no direct Ministerial responsibility in these circumstances.

Sir H. Legge-Bourke

May I put this further point, Mr. Speaker? We have been told today by my right hon. Friend the Lord Privy Seal that conditions in the Congo are extremely tense. Obviously, the only voice which this House has is through Her Majesty's Ministers in so far as any representations to the United Nations may be concerned. May I, therefore, put it to you, Mr. Speaker, that, as we are a member State of the United Nations, this is the only way in which there is any chance of this House expressing its opinion in time?

Mr. Speaker

Yes, but that does not help me as regards the Motion which has been submitted to me.

  1. BILL PRESENTED
      2. c1395
    1. LAW REFORM (DAMAGES AND SOLATIUM) (SCOTLAND) 84 words