HC Deb 16 October 1973 vol 861 cc43-4
Mr. Gorst

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I gave you notice before lunch that I intended to move the Adjournment of the House under Standing Order No. 9. I realise that you may feel that because of the reorganisation of business it is not appropriate now so to do. Nevertheless, I should like to deploy my arguments if that is permissible.

Mr. Speaker

I believe I had notice on this matter from three hon. Members, two of whom withdrew their notice in view of the statement. Perhaps I was at fault in assuming that the hon. Member had done so as well. Therefore I will give him a short opportunity of making his submission, although he must realise that it has very little chance of success.

Mr. Gorst

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 the urgent consideration, namely, the concerted attempt by 10 Arab countries to annihilate the Israeli nation, the selective refusal of Her Majesty's Government to fulfil Britain's obligations in the area and the"—

Mr. Speaker

Order. I must assist the hon. Member. He may want to take part in the debate on Thursday and he will prejudice his chances very much indeed if he makes the speech now which he could make then. The only point which is relevant is that the debate should take place before Thursday.

Mr. Gorst

I take note of your point, Mr. Speaker, about catching your eye later this week and I curtail my remarks simply to say that in modern warfare not only days but hours are of the very essence. For us to wait until the day after tomorrow before considering all the circumstances would be, in the view of many of my constituents and, I believe, of many hon. Members, to delay matters so that we shall be considering the history of the holy war rather than the future action which should be taken by Her Majesty's Government. In view of your advice I shall leave the matter there for the moment.

Mr. Speaker

I am grateful to the hon. Member for putting his argument as briefly as he did. He is on a genuine point. Had the business statement not provided for a debate this week I might have taken a very different view, but I cannot now accept his application.