HC Deb 09 February 1981 vol 998 c610
Mr. Wm. Ross (Londonderry)

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 sinking of the British vessel, the 'Nellie M', in Lough Foyle on the night of Friday-Saturday last by an IRA pirate gang. I believe that this is a very important matter for my constituents and for national defence because, since 1920, when the Republic of Ireland seceded from the United Kingdom, the sea boundaries have never yet been decided. To this day, no chart or map with an international boundary line drawn on it exists for Carlingford Lough or Lough Foyle. The result is that this vessel having been attacked and sunk, there is no way of knowing in whose waters the wreck now rests.

This is a matter that should have urgent consideration. It must be resolved before the wreck is dealt with, in order to decide who is responsible for it. I believe that it would be very dangerous for the nation to allow our claim to the waters of Lough Foyle to go by default, in view of the problems that could be created for national defence and for the commercial activities of my constituents.

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member for Londonderry (Mr. Ross) gave me notice before 12 o'clock 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 believed should have urgent consideration, namely, the sinking of the British vessel, the 'Nellie M' in Lough Foyle on the night of Friday-Saturday last by an IRA pirate gang. The House will have listened with deep concern to what the hon. Gentleman said. He has undoubtedly brought our attention to an important matter. But he knows 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 reason for my decision.

I listened with care to the hon. Gentleman, but 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.