§ Mr. Bruce George (Walsall, South)In view of the important business that is to follow, I shall be brief. 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 deteriorating relations between Britain and Canada.The issue is specific because it relates to the relationship between Britain, on the one hand, and the Federal Government and the provincial Governments of Canada, on the other. The matter is of great importance in that it is essential to preserve good relations between the two countries. The issue has become increasingly urgent because relations have deteriorated during the past few weeks. Our high commissioner has been withdrawn from Canada—coincidentally perhaps, one week after he made a statement that caused something of a minor furore. We have a curious situation in which the Canadian high commissioner is apparently alleging that communications are being intercepted, and is offering advice on how to deal with the Leader of the Opposition and hon. Gentlemen.The matter is becoming critical, and I hope that this House of Commons, which at the moment is very much an innocent bystander, will be involved. Decision-making in foreign affairs has historically been the prerogative of the Government. It is important, at a time when so many things are happening to the detriment of Anglo-Canadian relations, that the matter be debated in this Chamber so that the situation can be clarified. If that is not possible, I hope that the Prime Minister, the Leader of the House or the Lord Privy Seal will make an urgent statement to clarify the situation in the hope that such a statement will soothe the deteriorating relations between this country and our Canadian friends.
§ Mr. SpeakerThe hon. Member gave me notice before noon today that he would seek to move the Adjournment of the House for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter that he believes should have urgent consideration, namely,
the deteriorating relations between Britain and Canada.The House will have listened with concern to what the hon. Gentleman said, 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 reasons for my decision.I listened carefully to what the hon. Gentleman said, and I do not doubt its importance, but I must rule that his submission does not fall within the provisions of the Standing Order. Therefore, I cannot submit his application to the House.