§ Mr. LoydenI 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 Oakes Report, otherwise known as the report on the payment and collection of gas and electricity charges.The reason for the urgency of this matter will be made clear after my brief explanation. The report indicates quite clearly that, for example, disconnections should be abolished. What is more, I hope tomorrow to be introducing a Ten-Minute Bill dealing with the disconnection of electricity supplies. It does not need me to say that if this matter is left until after the Summer Recess we shall once again be running into the winter period without any decision being made about disconnection. The absence of any decision by this House could be a matter of life or death for large numbers of people.It is my view that both the report and my Bill should be submitted to a Select Committee as soon as possible so that the necessary legislation arising from the recommendations of the Oakes Report might be implemented.
§ Mr. SpeakerThe hon. Member for Liverpool, Garston (Mr. Loyden) 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 Oakes Report—that is, the review of methods of payment and collection of charges for gas and electricity.As the House knows, under Standing Order No. 9 I am directed to take into account the several factors set out in the Order but to give no reason for my decision. I have given careful consideration to the representations that the hon. Gentleman has made, 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.