HC Deb 11 April 1974 vol 872 cc653-5
Mr. Speaker

Before calling the hon. Member for Blackpool, South (Mr. Blaker), I must tell the House that this must be regarded as an exception. I have to choose the topics for debate on the Adjournment. I do so having regard to their interest and importance. As one hon. Member pointed out, the debate on horticulture will not take place. However, the hon. Member is in order in raising another topic if he wishes, so I will call him.

Mr. Michael Fidler (Bury and Radcliffe)

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. As hon. Members have chosen matters, presumably on the basis of the subjects submitted to you, may I ask whether it is in order for a completely different subject to be debated subsequently? Does this not open the way to hon. Members putting down one topic knowing full well that they can talk on a different one in the time allotted?

Mr. Speaker

The situation today is abnormal.

Mr. Michael Latham (Melton)

Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker. May I as a new Member, seek your guidance? What matters will it be appropriate to raise during the next three-quarters of an hour?

Mr. Speaker

On the Adjournment an hon. Member may raise any matter that he wishes, but we should follow certain conventions. One is that a topic has been notified and that a Minister is present to hear and to reply to the debate. I strongly deprecate a matter being raised when there is no Minister here to listen to the debate and to reply to it. But this exchange is taking up time.

Mr. Sydney Bidwell (Ealing, Southall)

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. May I seek your assurance that if immigration is now to be included with horticulture problems, hon. Members on this side of the House will have adequate time to participate?

Mr. Speaker

This debate will stop at quarter past one. Within the time available I shall try to be fair between the two sides of the House.

Mr. Stanley Newens (Harlow)

Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker. Is it to be taken as a precedent that hon. Members may change the subject of debate at the last moment, bearing in mind that hon. Members may have come from considerable distances to participate in debates? In these circumstances, on future occasions they may come along with no certainty that the subject that they have come to talk about will be discussed.

Mr. Speaker

There would need to be very special circumstances to justify it. I do not approve of what is happening. However, the hon. Member for Blackpool, South is in order.

Mr. John Biggs-Davison (Epping Forest)

Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker. Would it be wise for the Select Committee on Procedure to consider the whole question?

Mr. Speaker

That might not be a bad idea.