§ Mr. FauldsI 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 possible sanctioning by the Government of the sale by Vickers of two submarines to the Israeli Government.It is urgent because the question is being considered now by the Foreign Office and the House should have an opportunity of expressing its view before 1075 any deal is finalised; it is specific because it has to do with the impending preparation and signature of a contract for the construction and sale of two highly effective instruments of war; and it is important because the supply of arms to any country in that part of the world is likely to exacerbate an already highly-charged situation by further upsetting the balance of military power and preparation.The addition of these two submarines will add to Israel's preponderance of weapons of war and arm her further for the offensive campaign at which she is so practised.
For these reasons the matter is urgent, specific and important, and I ask that the House should have an opportunity of debating the possible provision of these two submarines to Israel. Thank you for your consideration, Mr. Speaker.
§ Mr. SpeakerI am grateful to the hon. Member for Smethwick (Mr. Faulds) for having given me notice of his application. He asks leave to move the Adjournment of the House under Standing Order No. 9 for the purpose of debating a specific and important matter that should have urgent consideration, namely,
the possible sanctioning by the Government of the sale by Vickers of two submarines to the Israeli Government.My decision does not bear upon the merits of the matter. I simply have to decide whether I should give this application precedence over the other business of the House already arranged. I am afraid that I am not prepared to give it that precedence.