HC Deb 06 August 1980 vol 990 cc554-5
Mr. John Fraser

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 which falls wholly within ministerial responsibilities and which should have urgent consideration, namely, the question of British aid to the Caribbean in the aftermath of Hurricane Allen. This hurricane is one of unprecedented force and has affected islands such as St. Kitts, St. Lucia, Dominica, Barbados and Jamaica—islands in which our constituents' relatives live. I note from the evening papers today that there are thousands of British holidaymakers on those islands whose whereabouts and welfare are not at present known. This is a tragedy that is close to people in this country. There have been deaths, and there are reports of extensive damage. This matter is important, both to those islands and to people in this country, and it should receive urgent consideration.

There is a second reason why the matter requires urgent consideration. Those islands have been badly hit by oil prices, they rely heavily on crops such as sugar and bananas, and the damage caused by a hurricane has a far greater effect than it would have in an industrialised country.

There is a final reason why the matter should be given urgent consideration. The Government have been negotiating with Jamaica about a loan to that country, but they have postponed the negotiations because of the Government's view of Jamaica's economy and because of the difference of opinion between Jamaica and the International Monetary Fund. In the light of what has happened yesterday and today, I believe that this matter warrants urgent consideration by the House.

Elections are due to be held in Jamaica in the autumn, and it is possible that high winds in Jamaica and elsewhere could have not only physical repercussions, but political repercussions also. It would be wrong to withhold aid, and we should have an opportunity to discuss the matter. Consideration can be given under Standing Order No. 9 to the administrative responsibilities of Ministers, and consideration should be given to whether there is any other possibility of Parliament discussing the matter urgently. Clearly, between now and Friday there is no possibility of hat arising.

Urgent aid should be given to Jamaica and to the other islands that are affected. This is a matter for urgent consideration, particularly in view of political developments, and on that basis I seek leave to move the Adjournment of the House under Standing Order No. 9.

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member for Norwood (Mr. Fraser) gave me notice before noon today that he would seek 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, British aid to the Caribbean in the aftermath of Hurricane Allen. The House will have been disturbed by the hon. Gentleman's description of the grievous conditions in the Caribbean. However, the House knows that I am directed to take into account not only the factors mentioned by the hon. Gentleman but the several factors set out in the order but to give no reasons for my decision.

I listened with anxious care, as did the House, to what the hon. Gentleman had to say, 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.