HC Deb 24 July 1967 vol 751 cc20-1

Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House do now adjourn.—[Mr. Howie.]

10.50 a.m.

Mr. Edward M. Taylor (Glasgow, Cathcart) rose—

Mr. Speaker

Is the hon. Member for Glasgow, Cathcart (Mr. Edward M. Taylor) seeking to catch my eye?

Mr. Taylor

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Speaker

Has the hon. Gentleman informed the Minister concerned?

Mr. Taylor

Yes, Sir. About five minutes ago.

Mr. Speaker

Is the Minister going to attend?

Mr. Taylor

His private secretary said that he would do his best to attend as soon as possible.

Mr. W. Howie (Comptroller of Her Majesty's Household)

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Is it usual for an hon. Member to attempt at the last minute to harry a Minister into attending an Adjournment debate for his own convenience rather than for the convenience of the House?

Mr. Taylor

I had no intention of embarrassing the Minister but of assisting him and the House.

Mr. Speaker

The question of harrying or embarrassing has nothing to do with a point of order. It is the practice that, if an Adjournment debate looks like arising, it is courtesy to the Minister to give him adequate notice. The Chair has deprecated on a number of occasions that an hon. Member should raise something on an Adjournment Motion without the presence of a Minister. The Chair has no power to prevent it but, according to Erskine May, Mr. Speaker should deprecate it.

The hon. Member for Luton (Mr. Howie) has moved the Adjournment of the House.

The debate having been concluded, Mr. SPEAKER suspended the Sitting till half-past Two o'clock, pursuant to Order.

Sitting resumed at 2.30 p.m.