HC Deb 25 January 1973 vol 849 cc665-6
Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member for Blyth (Mr. Edward Milne) has given me notice of his intention to make an application under Standing Order No. 9. I wonder whether he is aware of the fact that the right hon. Gentleman the Leader of the House said that a statement on this matter would be made on Monday.

Mr, Edward Milne (Blyth)

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 increase in food prices arising from yesterday's negotiations in Brussels of the Common Market Agricultural Ministers. I apologise for shortening by even a few minutes the vitally important debate on the steel industry which is about to take place.

The subject matter of this request is patently specific; food prices and their effect on the community are Britain's No. 1 talking point. The subject is important because of the detrimental effect which the negotiated price increases will have on the health and nutrition of our people, particularly our older people and our younger children. Its importance can also be stressed in regard to the employment prospects of shop and distributive workers, who despite the efforts of their unions, are already numbered among those in Britain whose wages are affected by the food price negotiations which we seek to debate.

This important subject is an outstanding example of the betrayal of the interests of Britain and its people by those who voted for EEC entry on the terms proposed by the Prime Minister and his Government on 28th October 1971.

It is urgent because next Monday the House will be debating the Second Reading of a Bill designed to curb the earnings of those most affected by the food price agreements made in Brussels yesterday.

Finally, it is urgent and important because if we are able to debate this matter it will halt the decline of the influence of Parliament among the ordinary folk of this country, who are losing confidence in the ability of this House to protect their interests.

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member gave me notice of the tonic that he wished to raise. I do not think he need bring it to the Table, because I am aware of it. I have considered the matter, and I made a preliminary observation to him. I am afraid I cannot accede to his request.