HC Deb 19 May 1969 vol 784 cc33-4
Mr. Stephen Hastings (Mid-Bedfordshire)

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, the doctrine referred to by the Secretary of State for Social Services by which Permanent Under-Secretaries can forbid Ministers from taking their chosen course of action. I apologise, Mr. Speaker, for giving you no warning, but in the circumstances I submit that it was beyond my power.

This matter is specific because the words of the Secretary of State were specific and will doubtless appear in HANSARD tomorrow. It relates to Question No. 33, raised by my hon. Friend the Member for Somerset, North (Mr. Dean.)

It is important, to say the very (east, because it represents, if true, a complete reversal of the system of administration to which the House of Commons heretofore has been accustomed.

Lastly, it is urgent, because, in the midst of all the other manifold uncertainties which we suffer under this Government, the country and the House of Commons can really put up with it no more.

Mr. Speaker

Order. The hon. Gentleman, of course, has given me no notice that he was going to apply to move the Adjournment of the House under Standing Order No. 9 at this moment. But I have listened very carefully to every word that he said, including the last sentence.

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 doctrine referred to by the Secretary of State for Social Services by which Permanent Under-Secretaries can forbid Ministers from taking their chosen course of action. 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 reasons for his decision. I have given careful consideration to the hon. Gentleman's representation, but I have to rule that his submission does not fall within the provisions of the revised Standing Order. Therefore, I cannot submit his application to the House.