HC Deb 23 May 1968 vol 765 cc884-5
Dr. David Kerr

I beg to ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House, under Standing Order No. 9, for the purpose of considering a specific and important matter that should have urgent consideration, namely, the method of allowing debate next week on the reintroduction of charges under the National Health Service". The matter is clearly specific. There can be no doubt about the restricted nature of the debate which will take place on the Order. That it is important has been amply demonstrated by representations made this afternoon by hon. Members on both sides of the House which leave nobody in any doubt about the importance attached by Members to full consideration of this question.

That it is urgent will be apparent when we realise that the proposed date for the reintroduction of charges—[Interruption.]

Mr. Speaker

Order. I am being addressed on an important matter.

Dr. Kerr

—has been announced as 10th June, which would not allow reconsideration by my right hon. Friend of the question of arranging a longer debate unless it were to take place on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday of next week.

Clearly, my request for an urgent debate, not, let me make it clear, on the merits of prescription charges, but on the method of arranging a debate on the charges, should command the fullest attention of the House immediately.

I make this representation having listened carefully to the replies given this afternoon by my right hon. Friend to the representations made to him. I must say to him with some sadness that he is beginning to acquire a reputation for bending graciously in the middle and never giving way—

Mr. Speaker

Order. The hon. Gentleman cannot debate the matter which he wishes to debate if his application is granted.

Dr. Kerr

I have noted with great regret that my right hon. Friend has been unable to give a clear undertaking today about what will happen next week. It is because we must have the matter cleared up that I seek the leave of the House to move the Adjournment under Standing Order No. 9.

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Gentleman asks leave to move the Adjournment of the House for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter that he thinks should have urgent consideration, namely, the method of allowing debate next week on the reintroduction of prescription charges under the National Health Service". The House will remember that under the 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 provision, I rule that the hon. Member's submission does not fall within the revised Standing Order. Therefore, I cannot submit his application to the House.