HC Deb 20 March 1973 vol 853 cc255-6

4.11 p.m.

Mr. John Silkin

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 deteriorating situation in the hospital service. That the matter is specific cannot be gainsaid. That it is important, every hon. Member who has a hospital in his constituency must be aware. As to its urgency, every day that goes by and this dispute continues is a day nearer the total breakdown of the hospital service.

Mr. Speaker

The right hon. Member gave me notice of his intention to make this application. He asks leave to move the Adjournment of the House for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter that should have urgent consideration, namely, the deteriorating situation in the hospital service. This is a matter for me. It is a matter for my discretion. I am forbidden from giving reasons. I am satisfied that the matter raised by the right hon. Gentleman is proper to be discussed under Standing Order No. 9. Does the right hon. Gentleman have the leave of the House?

Several Hon. Members

rose—

Mr. Speaker

It is not necessary for anybody to stand, unless somebody says "No".

The motion for the Adjournment of the House will now stand over until the commencement of public business tomorrow, when a debate on the matter will take place for three hours.

The Motion stood over under Standing Order No. 9 (Adjournment on specific and important matter that should have urgent consideration until the commencement of public business Tomorrow.)