HC Deb 13 May 1969 vol 783 cc1221-2
Mr. Marten

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, negotiations with the International Monetary Fund". I will deal with this very briefly, because it was touched upon yesterday by the hon. Member for Lewisham, West (Mr. Dickens). The matter is urgent, because negotiations are nearing completion, if they are not already completed, and the House is obviously extremely anxious about the whole affair.

The matter is specific, because it relates to a specific standby credit of about 1,500 million dollars and, as has already been pointed out, it will be too late if the letter of intent is issued before the matter is debated.

Finally, it is a matter of public importance, because this letter of intent could, if it is not subject to the view of the House, gravely affect the whole strategy of the Government's economic policy which, in turn, could affect the lives of everyone in this country.

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Gentleman the Member for Banbury (Mr. Marten) 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, negotiations with the International Monetary Fund". 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 reason for his decision. I have given careful consideration to the representations the hon. Gentleman has made and, indeed, to all that has taken place in the House, but I have to rule that the hon. Gentleman's submission does not fall within the provisions of the revised Standing Order.

I cannot, therefore, submit his application to the House.

Mr. Dickens

On a point of order—

Mr. Speaker

Order. I hope that the House will not create a bad habit. Mr. Speaker is given a very difficult task to do. When he rules on Standing Order No. 9, he does it to the best of his ability and after great thought. He is forbidden to defend himself. We ought to be able to move on when Mr. Speaker has ruled.

Mr. Dickens

Mr. Speaker, I have no wish to embarrass either you, the Government, or the House. I have nothing but the most lasting respect for the standing of the House. It is for that reason that I raise this point of order with you now.

I am asking you for your guidance, Mr. Speaker. Some of us tried yesterday and today in a variety of ways to raise in the Chamber the question of the important negotiations now known to be proceeding in another country before an unelected body, and—

Mr. Speaker

Order. With all respect, what the hon. Gentleman is seeking to do again is to criticise the decision Mr. Speaker has made. Mr. Speaker has made that Ruling. We cannot go any further than that.