§ Mr. William ClarkI 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 setting up of the Trade and Industry sub-committee of the Expenditure Committee for an inquiry into wages and conditions of employment for African workers employed by British concerns in South Africa as a factor affecting the investment prospects, export performance and reputation of British industry.I maintain that this subject is specific in that the sub-committee is now in being and is currently taking evidence. It is important because it affects the lives of citizens and the Expenditure Committee is exceeding its authority and the authority of the House by asking for extensive information. It is urgent in that the Committee is sitting and is putting many individuals not only to 1021 inconvenience but also to enormous administrative cost to supply information which is outside the authority of the House and which could be construed as an interference into the affairs of a foreign Power. I hope, Mr. Speaker, that you will give this application your sympathetic consideration.
§ Mr. SpeakerI am grateful to the hon. Member for having given me substantial notice of his intention to make this application. I have had an opportunity of considering what is a not altogether simple matter and I have considered it carefully. I am satisfied that the wrong way to pursue it is by granting an application for a debate under Standing Order No. 9.