§ Mr. Raphael TuckI 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 report today that British Rail has foreshadowed a reduction in railway passenger routes by 2,500 miles, a reduction of manpower 656 from 190,000 to 150,000, and a further doubling of commuter fares in London, with the possible loss of 60,000 commuters.The matter is specific because it affects the lives of everybody. You may recall, Mr. Speaker, that disquiet was recently expressed in the House about certain reports and that fears were set at rest because the Secretary of State for the Environment described those reports as "codswallop".I believe that the matters should have urgent consideration because, if the arteries through which the lifeblood of a nation flows are closed, that nation will die.
§ Mr. SpeakerThe hon. Member for Watford (Mr. Tuck) 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 report today that British Rail has foreshadowed a reduction in railway passenger routes by 2,500 miles, a reduction of manpower from 190,000 to 150,000, and a further doubling of commuter fares in London, with the possible loss of 60,000 commuters.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 reasons for my decision.I have given careful consideration to the representations made by the hon. Gentleman, but I must rule that his submission does not fall within the provisions of the Standing Order. Therefore, I cannot submit his application to the House.