Lebanon (Israeli Action) (Hansard, 15 June 1982)

§ Mr. Ernie Ross (Dundee, West)

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 threat to world peace posed by the continued aggression and occupation by Israeli military forces in Southern Lebanon.

Having listened to the reasons why you, Mr. Speaker, refused previous applications, I have five reasons why the House should consider this matter. The matter is specific because of Israel's continued refusal to accept United Nations Security Council resolutions 508 and 509 and the threat posed to world peace in that the Israelis are denying the United Nations its role as a world organisation.

The matter is specific because of the exclusion of persons other than Israeli personnel from occupied Lebanon, particularly of the media and journalists. That must cause the House concern about the treatment of persons in the area. Most important is the specific consideration that the House should give to the announcement by the Soviet Union, reported in today's press, which makes it clear that the Soviet Union considers the Israeli aggression to be within the framework of strategic co-operation between Israel and the United States.

The Soviet Union has reminded the Israeli Government that the Middle East lies in close proximity to the Soviet Union's southern borders and that developments there cannot help but affect USSR interests. That must worry all hon. Members.

It is important to have a debate in the House to ensure that the propaganda by Israeli Ministers is seen as a threat to peace. It could easily lead to Western Governments misreading the gravity of the situation in Beirut. The Israeli Government yesterday claimed that they had control of the airport, when clearly they had not. The claim today is that the Palestinian leadership has taken refuge in an embassy. That suggests that all is over and contained. The Palestine Liberation Organisation denies that emphatically. Yesterday I spoke twice to colleagues and friends in Beirut and they deny the latest claims.

The matter is important because of our association with the Common Market. The EEC decision to postpone the $40 million financial protocol for Israel is based on Israel's continued occupation of Southern Lebanon. The EEC raised the issue with Israel in relation to facilities for the media as well. It is right for the House to consider these matters urgently.

§ Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member for Dundee, West (Mr. Ross) gave me notice this morning before 12 o'clock that he would make an application under Standing Order No. 9 to 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 threat to world peace posed by the continued aggression and occupation by Israeli military forces in Southern Lebanon. As the House knows, I dealt with a similar application yesterday afternoon dealing with the same crisis in the Middle East.

The House knows that under Standing Order No. 9 I am directed to take into account the several factors set out in 743 the Order but to give no reason for my decision. I have given careful consideration to the hon. Member's representations, but I have to rule that the hon. Gentleman's submission does not fall within the provisions of the Standing Order and, therefore, I cannot submit his application to the House.