§ Sir Harmar NichollsOn a point of order. I beg to ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House, under Standing Order No. 9, for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter requiring urgent consideration, namely,
the decision of Her Majesty's Government to instruct Lord Caradon to submit proposals to the United Nations in order to extend sanctions against Rhodesia in a way which can only injure innocent people without in any way achieving anything constructive or helpful in healing the breach between Rhodesia and the United Kingdom.The instruction is at present only in draft. If it goes beyond draft and becomes a clear instruction, it will be too late for the House to express its views upon the matter. In those circumstances, I suggest that this is a matter which justifies the Adjournment of the House so that the House can debate the matter.
§ Mr. SpeakerThe hon. Gentleman asks leave to move the Adjournment of the House wider Standing Order No. 9 for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter requiring urgent consideration, namely,
the decision of Her Majesty's Government to instruct Lord Caradon to submit proposals to the United Nations in order to extend sanctions against Rhodesia in a way which can only injure innocent people without in any way achieving anything constructive or helpful in healing the breach between Rhodesia and the United Kingdom.The House will remember that under revised Standing Order No. 9, agreed to on 14th November, 1967, Mr. Speaker is directed to take into account the several factors set out in that Order, but to give no reasons for his decision. In the light of the new provisions, I now rule that the hon. Member's submission does not fall within the provisions of the revised Standing Order. Therefore, I cannot submit his application to the House.