HC Deb 19 June 1969 vol 785 cc726-8
Sir D. Walker-Smith

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 abandonment of their promised legislation in respect of trade union reform. To succeed, Mr. Speaker, I have to satisfy you under the Standing Order as to three criteria. I shall deal with them in turn but briefly, both to save the time of the House and because a strong case does not need lengthy advocacy.

The matter is clearly specific. It is true that it is negative, a non-event, rather like the emperor's clothes in the fairy tale, but inaction and a decision to shirk action can be just as specific as the positive act and often more dire and lasting in its consequences.

Equally, the matter is clearly important. We know that from the high testimony of the Prime Minister himself. But in case there should be an incorrigible sceptic in the House for whom the Prime Minister's testimony is not conclusive, I would assure him that the importance of the matter is established by other and weighty considerations.

It is important in the context of the country's economic future. It is important in the constitutional context so that we may see whether there are to be powerful estates of the realm outside the sovereignty of Parliament and above the rule of law. It is important in a third context—that of the candour and credibility, the consistency and character, of the present Administration.

Finally, it is urgent because of the effect of this indecision and retreat from promised action on the credit and standing of our country at this urgently critical time and on Britain's prospects in the grim struggle for economic survival in which, after five years of Labour government, the country is currently engaged.

Mr. Speaker

The right hon. and learned Gentleman the Member for Hertfordshire, East (Sir D. Walker-Smith) 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 abandonment of its promised legislation in respect of trade union reform". I understood indirectly that the right hon. and learned Gentleman might seek to move the Adjournment of the House under Standing Order No. 9. As the House knows, under the revised Standing Order, I am directed to take into account the several factors set out in the Standing Order, but to give no reason for my decision.

I have given careful consideration to the representations made by the right hon. and learned Gentleman, both this afternoon and all that happened previously, but I must rule that his application does not fall within the provisions of the revised Standing Order and, therefore, I cannot submit it to the House.