HC Deb 23 June 1980 vol 987 cc32-4
Mr. Ogden

I beg to ask leave, Mr. Speaker, 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 political, civil and military situation in the New Hebrides and the discussions which the British and French Governments are to resume on Wednesday of this week, and the need for this House to strenghten and maintain Her Majesty's Government's determination to keep promises made by them to the Government of the New Hebrides, to the people of that area, and to this House, on the passage of the New Hebrides Bill, and repeated on many occasions by Government Ministers in this Chamber since that Bill was approved by this House. I wish to be brief. I submit that this is a definite matter. The Bill was given unopposed Second and Third Readings on the firm and repeated assurances of Ministers. Since then there has been a rebellion in those territories. There has been a breakdown of law and order. British civilians and the armed forces are now deeply involved, and at risk. During the past few months Government Ministers have given assurances to the effect that there is a firm agreement between the British and French Governments about the terms and conditions of independence in those territories. We have also been assured that the British Government supported independence. Those assurances are being set aside because of pressure from one side or another.

The issue is of public importance, because promises that have been made to this House should not be broken lightly. Promises made by any Government to a future Government should not be set aside lightly. The safety and wellbeing of British citizens and of British armed forces should not be disregarded lightly.

The issue is urgent, because there are reports from France and from the New Hebrides—from reasonably reliable sources—that during the past week the British Government have yielded to pressure from the French Government. As a result, it is reported that the terms upon which we agreed to independence for the New Hebrides are being set aside. As the price of independence, new terms and conditions are to be imposed on the Government of the New Hebrides, without any reference to the Government to be or to this House. The Government have been good in terms of reporting to the House, but their silence and absence today gives cause for concern. It is reported that the Prime Minister of the New Hebrides will come to Britain to seek the support of parliamentarians in furtherance of the support and promises that were given to him by the British Government.

The reports are reliable. If it is true that the British Government will commit themselves on Wednesday to changing the promises that they made to us and to others, hon. Members can exert their influence on the Government only by seeking the right to raise their voices to strengthen their determination and honour.

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Gentleman 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, the political, civil and military situation in the New Hebrides and the discussions which the British and French Governments are to resume on Wednesday of this week, and the need for this House to strengthen and maintain Her Majesty's Government's determination to keep promises made by them to the Government of the New Hebrides, to the people of that area, and to this House, on the passage of the New Hebrides Bill and repeated on many occasions by Government Ministers in this Chamber since that Bill was approved by this House. I listened with care to what the hon. Gentleman had to say. He and the House know that under Standing Order No. 9 I am directed to take into account the several factors set out in the Order, but to give no reasons for my decision.

I have considered the arguments of the hon. Gentleman, which he had been courteous enough to advance in his communication to me in the morning, 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.