South Wales Miners (Strike Action) (Hansard, 9 December 1982)

§ Mr. Ray Powell (Ogmore)

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 decision by the South Wales National Union of Mineworkers delegate conference yesterday to call for strike action on 17 January due to the National Coal Board's refusal to make available adequate capital investment for the general development and maintenance of the South Wales coalfield.

The matter is specific because the 24,000 members will take strike action on 17 January. The action has been called against a background of deteriorating conditions in numerous pits in South Wales as a direct result of the lack of capital investment, the fear of 18 colliery closures in the short term and the complete devastation of the South Wales coalfield.

The matter is undoubtedly important because of the consequences to other vital industries in Wales. They will be affected by the action caused by the frustration of the months of negotiations between the NUM and the National Coal Board for more investment in the South Wales coalfield, for general development and maintenance, for a new mine at Margam, for recruitment at collieries in desperate need of additional miners and for the opening of new coal faces. It is also important that the Secretary of State for Wales refuses to meet the officers of the South Wales miners to discuss the problems that I have mentioned, which carry the consequential danger of the destruction of industry in South Wales.

The matter is urgent for several reasons. The first is the lack of time for the House to debate the matter before the Christmas Recess. The second is the fact that the strike will take place on the day that the House returns so that we shall have little opportunity to persuade the miners to take alternative action. Thirdly, the threat of the strike will worry business men and many thousands of people during the festive period.

I appreciate, Mr. Speaker, that, like me, you are a miner's son, and that, therefore, you will share my 988 concern for the future of the South Wales coalfield and acknowledge the essential need for a debate. I hope that I have shown that the matter is specific, undoubtedly important and essentially urgent and that you, without giving reasons, will be kind enough to grant my request.

§ Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member for Ogmore (Mr. Powell) gave me notice before 12 o'clock midday that he would seek leave 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 decision by the South Wales National Union of Mineworkers delegate conference yesterday to call for strike action on 17 January due to the National Coal Board's refusal to make available adequate capital investment for the general development and maintenance of the South Wales coalfield. Before I deal with the application, may I say to the hon. Gentleman, who reminded me that I am a miner's son, that I am very proud of the fact, but it has nothing to do with the application. I must follow the rules of the House and not any emotional ties that I may have. Therefore, I hope that the hon. Gentleman will understand it when I tell him 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 have listened carefully 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.