HC Deb 09 May 1972 vol 836 cc1138-9
Mr. Speaker

Order. I have three applications under Standing Order No. 9. I propose to take them in the order in which I received them. Mr. Hastings.

Mr. Hastings

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 present course of the railway dispute and its possible consequences. In all conscience, it is difficult to be specific about anything to do with industrial relations in this country. But at least this matter is specific to the extent that the dispute has continued now for over a month and caused great inconvenience to a large number of people, and that there is now the imminent threat of the situation deteriorating again.

Its importance lies not only in the risk of further disruption, loss and inconvenience to many people, but in the effect which a settlement could have on the future course of wage bargaining in the country as a whole. Moreover, there is the importance of its psychological effect upon the Government, Parliament and people.

I think that its urgency is self-evident. The cooling-off period has ended without an agreement. Whatever meetings may or may not be taking place, the present position seems entirely unclear on the basis of such information as is available publicly.

I submit that all those directly concerned, together with the country as a whole, should hear the voice of Parliament upon this matter without further delay.

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member for Mid-Bedfordshire (Mr. Hastings) was kind enough to give me considerable notice of his intention to make this application today. I have considered it very carefully in all the circumstances. I have exercised my judgment as best I can. I am afraid that I cannot grant that application today.