HC Deb 04 May 1982 vol 23 cc125-6
Mr. Millan

On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I beg to move, That further consideration of the Bill be now adjourned.

In view of the deep feelings that have been aroused by what has happened and what has been said in the House, I think that it would be sensible, if the Government agree, to adjourn consideration of the Bill. I hope that the Government will accept the proposition.

The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. George Younger)

I appreciate what the right hon. Gentleman has said and that it is difficult for the House to get down to normal business at a time like this. However, I do not see that any purpose is served by—[Interruption.]

Mr. Deputy Speaker

Order. The Secretary of State has not even finished his sentence.

Mr. Younger

Whether it is agreed or not, I think that I am entitled to express a view. I do not think that we serve any purpose in the House by declining to do our normal duty because something like this has occurred. I do not think that many of those involved in the operations would think much of us if all we could do was give up our normal business.

Mr. David Ennals (Norwich, North)

Further to that point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker——

Mr. Deputy Speaker

Order. It is not a point of order. It is a debatable motion.

Mr. Ennals

The Leader of the House showed great sympathy and understanding when representations were made to him earlier. Great sympathy was also shown by the Secretary of State for Defence in coming to the House to make a statement. It would, therefore, be quite inappropriate for the House to continue with the debate. I hope that the Leader of the House will now make a statement.

Sir John Eden (Bournemouth, West)

Perhaps my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland has not been here throughout today's debate. Possibly, after due consideration, he will agree that it would be sensible, in view of present circumstances, for today's business to be stood over until a later date. Will he be good enough, in the light of the feelings that are being expressed on both sides of the House, to reconsider what he has just said?

Mr. William Hamilton (Fife, Central)

I understand that the motion is debatable. I should therefore like to make a speech.

I am sorry that the Secretary of State for Scotland should have responded so insensitively to the motion moved by my right hon. Friend the Member for Glasgow, Craigton (Mr. Milian). I belong to the mining community. Whenever a miner was killed in a pit, the pit was suspended immediately out of respect to the family and the man concerned. The House would show the deepest form of respect for the people who have been bereaved by the maladministration of the Government if it were to adjourn until tomorrow.

It is quite clear that the House will no longer be interested in the important subject that we have been discussing today. It behoves the Leader of the House to sense the feeling of the House that has been expressed on both sides and to accept the motion forthwith.

Mr. Biffen

On certain occasions the fewest words are perhaps the most eloquent. The motion has been moved. I suggest that it be accepted.

Question put and agreed to.

Further consideration of the Bill adjourned.

Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee, to be further considered tomorrow.

    c126
  1. TAKING OF HOSTAGES BILL [Lords] 53 words
    2. c126
  2. MERCHANT SHIPPING (LINER CONFERENCES) BILL 53 words
    3. c126
  3. STATUTORY INSTRUMENTS, &c. 18 words
      4. c126
    1. SEA FISHERIES 31 words
    c126
  4. DEER (AMENDMENT) (SCOTLAND) [MONEY] 85 words