§ Mr. Tony Marlow (Northampton, North)I beg to ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House, under Standing Order No. 9, for the purpose of discussing specific and important matters that should have urgent consideration, namely,
the implications of discussions with the EEC on trade sanctions against Argentina and related matters.The whole House—indeed the whole world—knows that the task force in the South Atlantic is acting in defence not of British interests but of world peace. It is a British problem. It is also, of course, a European problem. For that reason the European Nine joined us in trade sanctions against Argentina. Yesterday a decision on their extension was delayed. Today further discussions are taking place.We who are bearing the burdens of the free world are being put on probation. For this reason the House may wonder why, at a time when we should be given maximum and enthusiastic support, we are being blackmailed by our reluctant allies into making concessions on other and unrelated matters.
It is vital that, before any decisions are made in Europe, other European nations are made aware of the views of the House and of the nation. Otherwise, mistakes could be devastating to European unity. Some decisions may be made tonight, or even tomorrow. The debate should, therefore, take place as soon as possible.
The following specific matters must be discussed urgently. First and foremost, we must discuss the safety of our Service men. There must be a danger that, with the present negotiations, the operational options will be rearranged to fit in with the perceived requirements of European diplomacy. The lives of our troops and sailors could thus be placed in jeopardy. The House may wonder for what—for sanctions that are notoriously evadable, for sanctions which, historically, refuse to bite?
The House will also wish to discuss another specific matter—the danger of blackmail. Are we to trade a budget deficit several times the cost of the task force for this ephemeral, conditional, grudging and yet physically empty gesture?
24 The House will certainly wish to discuss another specific matter—whether we are to agree to a massive increase in farm prices and further to burden and browbeat the British consumer for what could be a diplomatic doormouse. The debate is happening today in Brussels. The House will also want to debate, before the die is cast, the sham of European solidarity and the reality of national self-interest, so that we can give a clear signal to our Government, this very day, in their pursuit of our interests.
Finally, I believe that the House should insist that in any package that is agreed a large tranche of European funds must be available for the task force, defending as it is European interests. No package should be acceptable to the House which continues to give 75 per cent. of European funds to European agriculture while ignoring this new and far more urgent European priority. These matters are urgent. They are happening this very day. They effect what is happening in the South Atlantic. They are fundamental. The House must debate them now. Tomorrow may be too late.
§ The SpeakerThe hon. Member for Northampton, North (Mr. Marlow) 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 thinks should have urgent consideration, namely,
the implications of discussions with the EEC on trade sanctions against Argentina and related matters.The House will have listened with considerable care to what the hon. Member said. He knows that I have been instructed under Standing Order No. 9 to take into account the several factors set out in the Order but to give no reason for my decision.I listened with care to the hon. Gentleman, who is dealing with a matter of great urgency, 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.
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