HC Deb 19 February 1979 vol 963 cc42-3
Mr. Frank Allaun

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 supply of the Harrier jet planes to China in the light of the invasion of Vietnam by China this weekend. I shall be brief and careful not to transgress the rules which concern applications under Standing Order No. 9.

The matter is specific since the Secretary of State for Industry is due to leave for Peking with such a proposal in his pocket. It is important since there could be nothing more vital to the British people than to avoid a war between the West and Russia and since this proposal—this deal—is bound to worsen relations.

Clearly Britain will have little power as a mediator for peace in future if we arm a Government who are becoming as bellicose as most Conservative Members of Parliament. Unfortunately, the matter has become more important due to the worsening of the military situation this weekend, with 120,000 Chinese troops crossing the frontier with Vietnam.

Many of us profoundly hope that the Secretary of State, and the whole Cabinet, will reconsider the scope of negotiations before they start, and will confine them, as America and Germany have successfully done, to non-military goods. Pressure will undoubtedly grow, so it would be a good thing to debate the issue now.

The matter is urgent because, unless the Chinese divisions withdraw quickly, it may lead the Soviet Union into taking reprisals which, in turn, could possibly lead to a third world war.

Finally, the matter is urgent because Dr. Waldheim, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, is today urging restraint and President Carter, hardly an agent of the Kremlin—a concept which certain Opposition Members have suggested lies behind this motion—is supporting him. Unanimous opposition now might induce the Chinese generals to halt before it is too late.

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member for Salford, East (Mr. Allaun) has asked 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 supply of the Harrier jet planes to China in the light of the invasion of Vietnam by China this weekend. This application arises out of a question and answer given earlier this afternoon. I listened carefully to the exchanges. As the House knows, under Standing Order No. 9 I am directed to take into account the several factors set out in the Order but to give no reason for my decision.

I listened carefully to the arguments of the hon. Gentleman, 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.