§ Mr. StokesI 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 increase in the number of immigrants admitted for settlement in this country last year as published yesterday in the Government's White Paper.I consider the matter specific because the actual rise in the number of immigrants was published yesterday, even though the figures may well understate the true position. I submit that the matter is important because it affects the whole future of the English people and nation. I claim that the subject is urgent because, unless we in this House take action now to reduce immigration, there is a grave risk of the public taking matters into their own hands and of acts of lawlessness being committed—
§ Mr. KinnockThe hon. Gentleman is stirring them up.
§ Mr. SandelsonHe is encouraging them.
§ Mr. StokesI respectfully point out that ordinary English people have no redress for these grievances except in this place and that, when we fail here to take heed of their views, I am fearful of the consequences both for this House and for democracy in this country.
§ Mr. SpeakerThe hon. Member for Halesowen and Stourbridge (Mr. Stokes) 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 increase in the number of immigrants admitted for settlement last year as published in yesterday's Government White Paper.As the House knows, under Standing Order No. 9 I am directed to take into account the several factors set out in the Standing 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.