HC Deb 13 December 1976 vol 922 cc972-3
Mr. Ridley

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 revelation in the Sunday Times yesterday that the Government are receiving regular security reports upon trade union leaders". The subject is specific, in that it is clear that certain citizens are being spied upon, something which we did not know about before. It is important to both sides of the House. As is evidenced in this morning's papers, it is important to many Labour Members, who feel that this is a reflection upon their friends and colleagues. It is important to us on this side of the House, because it makes us wonder whether the trade union leaders whom we had come so to revere and respect were worthy of that reverence and respect to the extent that we thought. Therefore, it seems to me urgent that the Government should have an opportunity to put the record straight, to confirm or deny what has appeared in the newspapers.

Issues of human freedom are involved. If we do not know whether the report is true, we are left with the suspicion that conditions in this country are not dissimilar to those in Russia, and that we have a sort of KGB at work. In view of the doubt and confusion caused by the report, I believe that the House will want urgently to have a debate.

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member for Cirencester and Tewkesbury (Mr. Ridley) asks leave to move the Adjournment of the House for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter that he thinks should have urgent consideration, namely, the revelation in the sunday Times yesterday that the Government are receiving regular security reports upon trade union leaders". As the House knows, under Standing Order No. 9 I am directed to take account of the several factors set out in the Order, but to give no reason for my decision.

The hon. Gentleman gave me notice this morning that he would raise the matter. I have given very careful consideration to his representations, but I have to rule that his submission does not fall within the provisions of the Standing Order and, therefore, I cannot submit his application to the House.