§ Mr. CormackI beg to ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House, under Standing Order No. 9—and I apologise that I could not give you prior notice, Mr. Speaker—for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter that should have urgent consideration; namely
the uncertainty surrounding the background to the Rhodesian situation and the forthcoming conference to be held in Geneva.It is clear from what we have heard from the right hon. Gentleman the 254 Foreign Secretary this afternoon—and I wish to emphasise that the Opposition are just as anxious as anybody else to see a peaceful settlement of the dispute—that there is a most unfortunate element of uncertainty and equivocation emanating from the Foreign Office. Therefore, before this matter is discussed in Geneva, it is vital that it should be fully ventilated in this House and that we should have a full and unequivocal statement from the Foreign Secretary.
§ Mr. SpeakerThe hon. Member for Staffordshire, South-West (Mr. Cormack) 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 uncertainty surrounding the background to the Rhodesian situation and the forthcoming conference to be held in Geneva.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.I have listened carefully to the representations made by the hon. Gentleman, but I have to rule that his submission does not fall within the provisions of the Standing Order. Therefore, I cannot submit his application to the House.