HC Deb 12 February 1969 vol 777 cc1322-3
Mr. Judd

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 that should have urgent consideration, namely, the conviction of the Rev. N. Sithole by the courts of the illegal régime in Rhodesia and his sentence to six years' imprisonment. I submit that this is specific because it refers to one man, the Rev. N. Sithole, who is a key and vital political leader in Rhodesia. It is important because the result of this trial and the verdict following the trial may have important implications for the future of race relations within Rhodesia, without Southern Africa and within the world, and may call into question the competence of the Rhodesian courts to deal with a matter of this kind.

I further submit that the matter is urgent because it is a verdict and sentence which have been announced today.

I have already said that I believe this verdict may call into question the competence of the illegal régime and its judicial system but, further, it seems possible, on the reports which are so far available, that the case may have disturbing implications in the possible intimidation of witnesses by the illegal régime and the fact that the main witness throughout the case, Mr. X, has not yet been identified.

One of the most important points brought forward by the prosecution as incriminating evidence has been reference to Mr. Sithole's denunciation of the terms put forward as a result of the talks in "Fearless". This denunciation is not limited to the lips of Mr. Sithole. It is something that has been—

Mr. Speaker

With respect, the hon. Gentleman cannot debate the subject on which he is seeking an emergency debate.

Mr. Judd

Then may I conclude by saying that the matter is urgent and deserving of immediate attention by the House, because, as a result of the case, Her Majesty's Government should consider immediately reviewing their commitment to the "Fearless" proposals. It calls into question the Government's commitment to those proposals because it makes it more difficult than ever to get a genuine test of opinion within Rhodesia.

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 conviction of the Rev. N. Sithole by the courts of the illegal regime in Rhodesia and his sentence to six years' imprisonment. As the House knows, under the revised Standing Order No. 9 Mr. Speaker is directed to take into account the several factors set out in the Order, but to give no reasons for his decision.

I have listened carefully to the representations which the hon. Gentleman has made, but I have to rule that his submission does not fall within the provisions of the revised Standing Order and, therefore, I cannot submit his application to the House.

Mr. James Griffiths

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Before making a final decision on this matter, would you consider one fact which seems to have emerged from the case—[HON. MEMBERS: "No."] I am asking Mr. Speaker, If he rules me out of order, I will accept his Ruling.

Mr. Sithole is a citizen of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth and he has been tried by an illegal court. Does that not bring the matter within the direct responsibility of Her Majesty's Government?

Mr. Speaker

Order. Everyone in the House has the greatest respect for the right hon. Gentleman, but it is not usual, when Mr. Speaker has ruled against a Standing Order No. 9 Motion, to question his Ruling. I have taken every factor into consideration.