HC Deb 23 July 1969 vol 787 cc1741-2
Mr. Hastings

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 Government's negotiations with the Soviet authorities for the release of Mr. Gerald Brooke, and their apparent intention to exchange him for the Krogers. The matter is specific in that it concerns known individuals, a British citizen viciously imprisoned by a foreign Power, and two people convicted of a career of treachery and spying against this country and the United States, two cases between which the Government have specifically said there is no connection whatever.

The importance is obvious for the unfortunate Mr. Brooke, but alas there is a more sinister aspect. It is at least possible that Brooke's so-called offence was contrived in the first place. But whether or not that is the case, he has been blatantly used by the Russian intelligence service as a hostage ever since. For the British Government to surrender to this cruel blackmail would bear the gravest implications for the security of the State and the safety of British citizens in the future.

You will recall, Mr. Speaker, that I have sought on three separate occasions to raise this matter by Private Notice Questions. I do not question your Ruling on that—

Mr. Speaker

Order. Technically, the hon. Gentleman must never refer to Private Notice Questions which Mr. Speaker has not accepted.

Mr. Hastings

I accept that, and I apologise to you, Mr. Speaker.

The urgency now lies in the fact that Parliament is about to rise and that the stream of newspaper reports which are appearing on this subject can no longer be regarded as without significance. If Parliament is to have a chance to ascertain the truth and influence the course of events an immediate debate is necessary.

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member for Mid-Bedfordshire (Mr. Hastings) was courteous enough to let me know this morning that he would seek to raise this matter under Standing Order No. 9.

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 Government's negotiations with the Soviet authorities for the release of Mr. Gerald Brooke, and their apparent intention to exchange him for the Krogers. As the House knows, I am directed to take account of the several factors set out in Standing Order No. 9, but to give no reason for my decision.

I have given careful consideration to the representations the hon. Gentleman has made, and to the issue itself. But I have to rule that the hon. Gentleman's submission does not fall within the provisions of the revised Standing Order, and, therefore, I cannot submit his application to the House.