HC Deb 19 December 1979 vol 976 cc643-4
Mr. English

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 statement this afternoon by Mr. Attorney-General. The practice of giving traitors immunity is spreading. The House should discuss it, because the Attorney-General is the only Minister whose actions cannot be discussed before a Select Committee. His actions can be discussed only on the Floor of the House. I do not ask for a ruling today, Mr. Speaker. However, I ask you to consider this matter.

The real matter of importance is not that of immunity. It has just been said, in effect, that our processes of criminal investigation are so weak that we cannot do what the Americans can do in relation to a Head of State with 2 million employees, but we can for a multinational company with 200,000 em- ployees. There is a need for an inquiry into our processes of criminal investigation. The matter is so important that it cannot wait.

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member for Nottingham, West (Mr. English) seeks leave to move the Adjournment of the House for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter that he believes should have urgent consideration, namely, the statement this afternoon by Mr. Attorney-General. I listened carefully to the exchanges this afternoon and to the hon. Gentleman's arguments. As I said earlier, I do not decide whether this matter should be debated by the House. I have only to decide whether there should be an emergency debate tonight or tomorrow.

After careful consideration of the hon. Gentleman's representations I have to rule that they do not fall within the provisons of the Standing Order and therefore I cannot submit his application to the House.