§ Mr. David Ennals (Norwich, North)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,
today's report of the Expenditure Steering Group for Personal Social Services".The matter is urgent because decisions must be taken soon on proposals involving the slashing of local authority social services by 9 per cent. in 1983–84 and up to 12.8 per cent. in 1985–86, with catastrophic consequences for the most deprived people in our society. The issue could hardly be more specific since the cuts will involve the loss of 11,000 residential places in old people's homes, 3,300 places in children's homes, 1,400 places in homes for the mentally handicapped, 80,000 meals on wheels and 70,000 home helps. The consequence will be a cut of 28,000 jobs in social services departments.If that is part of the new post—Falklands spirit, it is deplorable and should be stopped but should be debated.
§ Mr. SpeakerThe right hon. Member for Norwich, North (Mr. Ennals) gave me notice before 12 noon today that he would seek leave to move the Adjournment of the House for the purpose of discussing a matter that he believes should have urgent consideration, namely,
today's report of the Expenditure Steering Group for Personal Social Services".I listened carefully to what the right hon. Gentleman said. As the House knows, I am directed to take into account the several factors set out in the Order but to give no reason for my decision. I must rule that the right hon. Gentleman's submission does not fall within the provisions of the Standing Order, and, therefore, I cannot submit his application to the House.