§ Mr. LubbockMr. Speaker, I beg to ask 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 suspension of certain rail services on the Southern Region tomorrow.I submit, first, that this is a definite matter, and I quote from the tape:S.R. drivers to strike. More than 60 train drivers at Ramsgate and Margate depot are certain to strike tomorrow. A Thanet official of the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen said today, 'A strike is definitely on and I think we shall have the support of all our members'.I submit, secondly, that the matter is urgent because this is the only opportunity the House will have to discuss it before the disruption of the services which will be caused by the strike.I submit, thirdly, that there is no doubt that the matter is of great public importance. The Prime Minister has already expressed his deep concern at Question Time, and, if this strike goes ahead, hundreds of thousands of people will find it impossible to get to work, with very serious consequences for the economic life of the nation. I need hardly underline that the go-slow has already cost this nation, probably, hundreds of thousands of pounds.
§ Mr. SpeakerThe hon. Gentleman 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 suspension of certain rail services on the Southern Region tomorrow.I am not in a position to leave this to the House. I have had to rule on the precise point myself, in February, 1960, I think. It is not within the Standing Order.