ACHIEVEMENT IN SPACE (EARLY DAY MOTIONS) (Hansard, 22 July 1969)

§ Mr. Lubbock

On a point of order. I apologise for not having given notice of wishing to raise this point of order, Mr. Speaker.

In view of the unique and unparalled nature of the American achievement in landing men on the moon, and the fact that there are on the Order Paper three separate Early Day Motions congratulating the three American astronauts on this fantastic achievement, could not means be found to express the feelings which are unanimous on all sides, transcending party politics as they do, in a form which would enable a resolution to be passed by the House as opposed to Early Day Motions which appear on the Order Paper and are never debated?

[That this House, recognising the unparalleled triumph of intelligence and courage that the landing on the moon represents, offers its profound congratulations to Mr. Neil Armstrong, Colonel Edwin Aldrin and Colonel Michael Collins, to the scientific and technical staff in support, and to the entire American people in their achievement of a new vision for the human race.]

[That this House congratulates the crew of Apollo 11, N.A.S.A., United States industry and the American people on achieving the first landing of man on the moon and wishes the crew a safe return.]

[That this House salutes the courage of the first men on the moon; congratulates the United States Government and the entire Apollo team on the imagination and high technical skills that made this historic feat possible, and further expresses the conviction that in exploring outer space men will find better methods of safeguarding world peace and improving the human condition.]

In view of the transcendent importance of the achievement by the Americans, I feel sure that the House will wish to express its feelings in this way.