HC Deb 10 June 1980 vol 986 cc314-5
Mr. Cormack

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 deteriorating situation in Afghanistan and the need for Her Majesty's Government to take further steps to express British abhorrence of the actions of the Soviet invaders of that country. I shall not detain the House for long. I believe that the accounts in this morning's press have shocked and horrified hon. Members in all parts of the House. What started as an unprovoked and beastly act of aggression has now become an act of brutal suppression against a people who are fiercely determined to assert their own independence. At such a time, especially when our athletes are preparing to be the guests of the murderous regime in Moscow, it is essential that the House should have an opportunity further to express the fiercest possible denunciation of these latest horrific and barbarous acts.

I suggest that this submission meets the criteria of the Standing Order. I suggest, respectfully, that the business before the House today and tomorrow cannot rank in importance with this grave international crisis. I hope, Mr. Speaker, that you will feel able to grant my request.

Mr. Speaker

The 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 believes should have urgent consideration, namely, the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan and the need for Her Majesty's Government to take further steps to express British abhorrence of the actions of the Soviet invaders of that country I listened with deep concern and care to what the hon. Gentleman said. As the House knows, I do not decide whether this matter shall be debated. My discretion is limited to whether it is granted as an emergency debate tonight or tomorrow. The House has instructed me to give no reasons for my decision. I know the concern of the House about the matters that the hon. Gentleman has raised, but I have to rule that his submission does not fall within the provisions of the Standing Order. I cannot, therefore, submit his application to the House.