HC Deb 13 May 1980 vol 984 cc1066-7

Considered in Committee.

[Mr. BERNARD WEATHERILL in the Chair.]

4.9 pm

Mr. Tam Dalyell (West Lothian)

May I raise a point of order that I have discussed with you, Mr. Weatherill? Before doing so, I make it clear that I think that your selection of amendments is generous and I make no blanket complaint. However, there may be a case for selecting amendment No. 7 in my name and the names of my hon. Friends, which proposes to insert or out of the United Kingdom's policy and obligations towards the United States of America. I suggest that we would not be discussing this measure at all were it not, to use the words of the Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, for the good health of the Alliance."—[Official Report, 12 May 1980; Vol. 984, c. 913.] and for reasons such as Mr. Attlee's going to the United States at the time of Korea.

Therefore, it is an issue, above all others, of the American alliance, and were it not for the pressure of Mr. Carter's Washington we should certainly not be discussing this measure today.

Indeed, in a BBC radio interview the Foreign Secretary said: More a political gesture, quite frankly…The only way to get the hostages released is by intense diplomatic activity. One has to ask whether that activity will be helped by sanctions. It is a matter of regret that the Foreign Secretary is not a member of this House—

The Chairman

Order. I ask the hon. Gentleman to come to his point of order. This it not the occasion for a speech.

Mr. Dalyell

My point is that if the argument is that we have to take certain actions when our friends are in trouble—and that is the centre of the argument—surely it would be right to discuss an amendment that ties the Bill to the policy of the United States.

The Chairman

I thank the hon. Gentleman for what he said about my selection. I have indeed sought to be as generous as I can in meeting all the points on the Amendment Paper. However, I cannot agree to his request. Amendment No. 7 goes beyond the scope of the Bill and I must leave the selection as it is. I am sorry.

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