§ Mr. Ioan EvansI 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 outbreak of civil unrest at Soweto, the African township outside Johannesburg, following the protest march by students.You will be aware, Mr. Speaker, that the worst outbreak of civil unrest for 756 15 years has occurred in South Africa. In fact, this is the worst event since the time of Sharpville in 1960. It took place yesterday in the African township of Soweto, and the events have been widely reported in the world's Press, including our own. They are the real results of the fundamental policy of the Nationalist Government of South Africa in enforcing their apartheid system, known more recently as their "separatist policy"—a policy which has been denounced by the United Nations Organisation from its formation and particularly condemned by all nations which have sought to legislate against racial discrimination but which have seen South Africa increasingly imposing legislation to enforce racial discrimination.The matter which I seek to raise is the specific question of the decision to introduce Afrikaans as the medium of instruction in the so-called Bantu schools and the explosive situation which has followed that decision.
As well as being specific, it is essential that this vitally important matter is considered by the House of Commons so that right hon. and hon. Members can play their part in the world condemnation of these events.
The issue is urgent. Already 23 people have been killed. As this morning's editorial in The Times puts it.
All the elements of a major explosion—pent-up resentments, white aggravation, a casus belli and police desperation—were present. The pattern is ominous, the scale is secondary.I urge that this urgent and important matter should be debated in the House because the wind of change in South Africa is building up to hurricane force. The implications of racial disharmony will not be confined to the township of 1 million racially segregated people of Soweto but will have world-wide repercussions.
§ Mr. SpeakerThe hon. Member for Aberdare (Mr. Evans) 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 outbreak of civil unrest at Soweto, the African township outside Johannesburg, following the protest march by students".As the House knows, under Standing Order No. 9 I am directed to take account 757 of 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.
§ Mr. Michael LathamOn a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Is it not the case that applications under Standing Order No. 9 should have some relevance to matters for which British Ministers are responsible?
§ Mr. SpeakerI looked into the question whether this was in order. It was in order.