§ Mr. Stan Thorne (Preston, South)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 threat to the Asian community in Preston from National Front racists".During this week National Front slogans, swastikas and obscenities have been daubed in bright blue paint on a number of homes, walls and cars owned by Asians. Two windows have been smashed and a giant National Front sign has been painted on the bonnet of an Asian woman's car. This followed the day when police formed a protective ring round National Front marchers in nearby Chorley and Bolton. In Bolton the cost of protection has been estimated at £50,000. One innocent bystander was heard to shout "You are not Christians". Immediately thereafter the marchers chanted "Jesus was a wog". We are told that £50,000 was spent to protect that.
In Preston, Blackburn, Bolton, Chorley and elsewhere, Asian women and children fear for their safety. An early debate would enable the Home Secretary to spell out his Department's intentions in regard to the rise of Fascist movements that is being experienced in many towns and cities throughout the United Kingdom. The Lancashire Evening Post and the Bolton Evening News have done a service in drawing attention to the activities of these Fascist groups.
This is an urgent and important matter, and I am sure that you recognise it as such, Mr. Speaker.
§ Mr. SpeakerThe hon. Member for Preston, South (Mr. Thorne) gave me notice this morning before 12 o'clock that he would seek 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 threat to the Asian community in Preston from National Front racists".The entire House will have been disturbed by what the hon. Gentleman has told us this afternoon. He will be aware that, while I am deeply conscious of the importance of the issue that he has raised, my powers are limited to deciding whether there should be an emergency debate tonight or tomorrow night. The House has also instructed me to give no reasons for my decision.
I do not underestimate the seriousness of what the hon. Gentleman has brought to the notice of the House when I say that I must rule that his submission does not fall within the provisions of the Standing Order and, therefore, I cannot submit his application to the House.