ROLLS-ROYCE ENGINES (CHILE) (Hansard, 17 July 1978)

§ Mr. McNamara

In view of what you said earlier, Mr. Speaker, I shall be brief. I 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 Cabinet's decision to grant an export licence to four Rolls-Royce Avon engines at present at East Kilbride and belonging to the Chilean Government". 48 I think it is self-evident that this matter is urgent, because a decision has been made and it is possible that attempts might be made to move the engines. It is specific, because it concerns four Rolls-Royce Avon engines. That it is of public importance, is again self-evident.

At a time when in the western world we have been bewailing our impotence and inability to try to protect human rights in Soviet Russia, and our inability to help dissidents there, it seems to be a very wrong time indeed for the Government to be granting an export licence for these four engines to help a tyrannical, anti-democratic, fascist regime in Chile. These engines, if put into aeroplanes, will be used to suppress human rights within that country.

I could go on for a long time, but in view of what was said earlier I shall bring my remarks to a close. However, I should not like you, Mr. Speaker, or the House to think that the shortness of my remarks fails to underline the urgency and importance which I attach to this matter.

§ Mr. Speaker

May I first thank the hon. Gentleman for the brevity of his remarks. The House will appreciate that they have been brief only because of the nature of our business. I am very much obliged to him.

The hon. Gentleman gave me notice before 12 o'clock this morning that he would seek an emergency debate by moving the Adjournment of the House for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter which he believes should have urgent consideration, namely, the Cabinet's decision to grant an export licence to four Rolls-Royce Avon engines at present at East Kilbride and belonging to the Chilean Government". I listened carefully to what the hon. Gentleman said. As he knows, I am not required to give reasons for my decision. I am afraid that I have to rule that the hon. Gentleman's submission does not fall within the provisions of the Standing Order and, therefore, I cannot submit his application to the House.