IMMIGRATION, BIRMINGHAM (Hansard, 15 May 1968)

§ Mr. Gurden

On 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 Birmingham City Council to request the Government to stop immigration into that city from overseas. That my request is specific there can be no doubt. That it is important can best be judged by the special high-level conference of the local authority concerned as reported in the local newspapers and on the B.B.C. today. No one who has not buried his head in the sand could fail to appreciate the importance of the matter.

For all too long has the strain on Birmingham and the Midlands been neglected. It is not only a question of finance but of ceasing to aggravate the problem by allowing a disproportionate number of immigrants into this area. The Government are responsible for allowing over 50,000 immigrants to arrive into the country this year. The House should be at least fully aware of the overstrain on the education, housing, health and welfare services which this city has a statutory obligation to maintain. The city cannot any longer meet that obligation.

§ Mr. Speaker

The hon. Gentleman asks leave to move the Adjournment of the House under Standing Order No. 9 for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter that he thinks should require urgent consideration, namely, the decision of Birmingham City Council to request the Government to stop immigration into that city from overseas. 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 provisons, 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.