§ Mr. HealeyOn a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I wish to move the Adjournment of the House for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter which should receive urgent consideration, namely,
the failure of the Foreign Secretary to ensure that the Smith régime permits normal political activity in Rhodesia during the test of acceptability by the Pearce Commission.
§ Mr. SpeakerThe right hon. Member for Leeds, East (Mr. Healey) has stated the ground on which he seeks to move the Adjournment of the House. From the exchanges today during Questions it is obvious how much interest is taken in this matter by the House, but I have simply to decide whether the correct way to debate this matter is under the Standing Order. I am not of that opinion, and I must decline the application.
§ Mr. Harold WilsonOn a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I raise this following your decision. If that is the decision, may I ask the Leader of the House whether there should not be urgent discussions through the usual channels to see whether Government time can be provided to debate this highly important matter which, in the view of many hon. Members, is urgent and cannot wait for normal procedures, because the denial of freedom in Rhodesia is happening now and must be prejudicing the work of the Pearce Commission.
§ The Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Mr. William Whitelaw)May I say that discussions can, of course, take place, but there are alternatives. First, the Opposition have a Supply Day next Monday. They also have the right, under the Standing Order, to take a half-day Supply Day on urgent notice if that is what they wish to do. If that is their wish, I should be prepared to make arrangements, through the usual channels, for that to take place.