HC Deb 19 April 1972 vol 835 cc528-9
Mr. Paget

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 grave dangers to be suffered by the public if the railway men are forbidden to work in accordance with rules most of which are based on safety. We are faced with a situation in which apparently the rules of the railways are to be interfered with on terms which this House is not told. We are not told what a Minister is asking. All we know is that a strict application of safety rules has proved extremely inconvenient. But the extreme danger that will result if a union is instructed that it may no longer tell its members to abide by the rules is something which we may all contemplate. Indeed, which of us will be safe in approaching a level crossing? These are matters which the public should consider and should have some chance of seeking reassurance on.

Mr. Speaker

The hon. and learned 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 grave dangers to be suffered by the public if the railway men are forbidden to work in accordance with rules most of which are based on safety. The hon. and learned Gentleman has made his point. I have a procedural decision to make. I cannot accept his application or put it to the House.