HC Deb 21 January 1981 vol 997 c260
Mr. Keith Wickenden (Dorking)

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 secondary effects of NALGO's industrial action against the London borough of Wandsworth". The facts are simple. As hon. Members know, there is a dispute between members of the National and Local Government Officers Association and the London borough of Wandsworth. The facts of the dispute are not known to me and are not relevant to this application. The dispute is partly political, because members of NALGO take exception to certain public expenditure cuts that the borough has put into effect.

I am concerned about the secondary effect of that dispute, namely, that many sub-contractors are no longer being paid and have not been paid for many months. As a result, a major contractor in my constituency, which employs many painters and decorators, will have to lay off men this Friday because it has no money to pay them.

Whatever the merits of the dispute may be, members of NALGO did not intend to cause financial hardship or stress to other trade union members. I believe that this matter should have consideration.

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member for Dorking (Mr. Wickenden) gave me notice this morning before 12 o'clock that he might 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 thinks should have urgent consideration, namely, the secondary effects of NALGO's industrial action against the London borough of Wandsworth". I listened, as the House listened, with concern to what the hon. Gentleman said. I realise that it is a matter of considerable importance to his constituency and to the workers involved. However, as the House knows, under the revised Standing Order No. 9 I am directed to take account of the several factors set out in the Order but to give no reason for my decision.

I have given careful consideration to all the representations that have been made, but I must rule that the hon. Gentleman's submission does not fall within the provisions of the revised Standing Order and, therefore, I cannot submit his application to the House.