HC Deb 22 July 1969 vol 787 cc1516-8
Mr. Peyton

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 ambivalent position of Her Majesty's Government on the question of a federal Europe following reported statements of the Foreign Secretary in Brussels on 15th July when attending in a capacity described by the Prime Minister as private an allegedly confidential meeting; and the apparent conflict between those statements and the declared policies of the British Government. It would be an affront, Mr. Speaker, to your very considerable powers of perception if I were to expand on the arguments for this case. You were present yourself and heard the statements made by the Prime Minister, and you will be aware, without my reminding you, of the very deep anxieties in the House to understand where precisely Her Majesty's Government stand in this very important matter. You will not require me, either, Mr. Speaker, to remind you that our remaining days of sittings are, perhaps, limited.

Perhaps with those remarks I may commend this request to you with the greatest respect.

Mr. Shinwell

Before you come to a decision, Mr. Speaker, may I raise one matter with you—

Mr. Speaker

Order. I think that I am capable now of making a decision: I have listened to the exchanges and I have heard the submission.

The hon. Gentleman the Member for Yeovil (Mr. Peyton) 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 ambivalent position of Her Majesty's Government on the question of a federal Europe following reported statements of the Foreign Secretary in Brussels on 15th July when attending in a capacity described by the Prime Minister as private an allegedly confidential meeting; and the apparent conflict between those statements and the declared policies of the British Government. As the House knows, under the revised Standing Order No. 9 I am directed to take into account the several factors set out in the Order, but to give no reasons for my decision. I have listened to every word that took place in the interchange after Question Time.

I have listened to the submission which the hon. Gentleman has made to me. I have given all these points careful consideration, but I have to rule that the hon. Gentleman's submission does not fall within the provision of the revised Standing Order, and, therefore, I cannot submit his application to this House.

Mr. Shinwell

On a point of order. Mr. Speaker. I do not intend to venture to argue with your decision, of course—this is a matter within your discretion. All I have to say is that confusion remains.

Mr. Speaker

Order. The message which the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Easington (Mr. Shinwell) has given will be conveyed, I think, to the appropriate quarter. It has nothing to do with me.