HC Deb 30 October 1974 vol 880 cc220-2
Mr. Teddy Taylor

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 threat to health, employment and public services in Scotland caused by the current industrial disputes. The House will be aware that in recent weeks we have had an unprecedented and alarming wave of industrial unrest in Scotland. The facts are specific enough. In Glasgow alone today we have a serious strike of sewerage workers, resulting in millions of gallons of untreated sewage going into the River Clyde. Experts warn us that a serious health hazard could arise.

Our bus and underground services are at a standstill, causing enormous hardship to those, particularly in the perimeter housing schemes, who depend entirely upon buses and have no alternative means of transport.

For weeks we have had a crippling strike of lorry drivers in Scotland. Although a record pay settlement has been agreed, reports this morning are that the strikes may continue in certain areas.

The schools are disrupted by a work to rule, and a full-scale strike is threatened for tomorrow. Many industries are and have been totally strike-bound for many weeks, including the giant Hoover Company and the Rolls-Royce factories.

Even more worrying is the fact that the two disputes that are partially settled —the lorry drivers and the cleansing disputes—contain the seeds of further difficulties.

Hon. Members

Too long.

Mr. Speaker

Order. The hon. Gentleman must remember that he is not entitled to make the kind of speech that he would make if his application were granted.

Mr. Taylor

I am simply trying, Mr. Speaker, to explain that it is a serious and specific situation. I can do this only by mentioning the strikes. There are many more, but in view of what you have said I shall leave it at that.

There is a second point of urgency, which is that employers and many trade union officials are confused whether the compact imposes any restraints on them, and the public are suffering the consequences.

Mr. Speaker

Order. The hon. Gentleman is going very much into the merits. He must state his case for my allowing a debate under Standing Order No. 9.

Mr. Taylor

The purpose of the debate for which I seek your approval, Mr. Speaker, is to discuss what action can be taken by the Government to maintain essential services and to clarify their pay policy. I hope that you will accept my application.

Members of Parliament from Scotland of all the parties have been pleading for at least a visit of a Government Minister. I believe that the situation has become so serious that a debate is called for. If this application is not granted, there is a danger that the people of Scotland, who have suffered and are suffering, will come to the view that the House will show the same indifference to the situation as I believe has been shown so far. There- fore, Mr. Speaker, I ask your support in accepting my application.

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Gentleman has asked me to allow under Standing Order No. 9 an application for a debate to discuss the threat to health, employment and public services in Scotland caused by the current industrial disputes. I have listened to the hon. Gentleman with great attention, and I have indicated that he went rather beyond the terms of an application under Standing Order No. 9. My answer to the hon. Gentleman's application is "No". I believe that there are ample other opportunities for him to pursue the points he has raised.