Mr. Ron BrownI 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 situation concerning a constituent, Norma Bernardo, who will be deported from this country on 20 November as an alleged illegal entrant.I think that the House should look at the details of this case. Today is the last possible time for a debate to take 641 place before Norma Bernardo leaves the United Kingdom. While obviously she has the right of appeal, she must first return to the Philippines before that can be put into action.I hope to have your support, Mr. Speaker. Perhaps quoting or misquoting Burns, I hope that the House will agree with me and understand the point about man's inhumanity to women and, in particular to Norma Bernardo, because this is an issue which must be discussed.
§ Mr. SpeakerThe hon. Member for Edinburgh, Leith (Mr. Brown) gave me notice this morning before 12 o'clock that he would seek to move the Adjournment of the House, under Standing Order No. 9, for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter that he believes should have urgent consideration, namely, the proposed deportation of his constituent, Norma Bernardo.
I listened with concern to what the hon. Member had to say. I also had the advantage of reading the report of the debate that took place last night on the general issue.
The House has instructed me to give no reasons for my decision. I have to rule that the hon. Gentleman's submission does not fall within the provisions of the Standing Order, and, therefore, I cannot submit his application to the House.
§ Mr. HooleyOn a point of order, Mr. Speaker. It might be helpful to other hon. Members if you could indicate how many applications under Standing Order No. 9 are likely to come before the House during the next half hour.
§ Mr. SpeakerThe hon. Gentleman must have left the Chamber for a moment. A few minutes ago I indicated that there are three applications.