HC Deb 22 January 1971 vol 809 cc1455-6
Mr. Dalyell

May I seek your help, Mr. Speaker? I had hoped to move the Adjournment of the House under Standing Order No. 9 for the purpose of discussing the very urgent situation in Cambodia, in which we are involved as a co-chairman of the Geneva Convention. I gather that it is not in order to move Standing Order No. 9 on a Friday, but on inquiry from the excellent servants of this House, the Table Office and the Chief Librarian I find that neither know of any such Ruling. Could I ask for your guidance?

Mr. Speaker

My Ruling is that Standing Order No. 9 refers only to Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and that it is not, therefore, in order to move the Adjournment on a Friday under that Standing Order.

Mr. Dalyell

Further to that point of order, can you help the House? Over the weekend events will take place which might make it too late to participate, in the way in which perhaps the British and Russian Governments ought to participate as co-chairmen of the Geneva Convention, in a very urgent and dreadful situation in Cambodia. I have been to Cambodia and had a sustained relationship with the Cambodians. There are some of us on this side of the House who would ask, through the Leader of the House later today, for some statement to be made about what the Government hope to do about reconvening the Geneva Convention with a view to averting this dreadful situation in a lovely and beautiful city. It is a situation with wide international implications for the American war in South-East Asia.

Mr. Speaker

I have had my doubts whether the hon. Member was in order. Without doubt, however, the Leader of the House will have heard what has been said by the hon. Member and will convey it to Foreign Office Ministers.

Mr. Dalyell

Is there any opportunity for the Leader of the House to make a statement whether it will be possible for a Foreign Office Minister to report to the House?

The Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Mr. William Whitelaw)

To help the conduct of Private Members' business, in which I know many hon. Members are extremely interested, in response to what the hon. Member said I will immediately get in touch with the Foreign Office and find out the position. I cannot commit anyone, but if there is an opportunity I will see what can be done about keeping the House fully informed of the position.

Mr. Dalyell

Thank you.