HC Deb 11 April 1983 vol 40 cc550-1 3.31 pm
Mr. David Ennals (Norwich, North)

I beg to ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House, under Standing Order No. 10, for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter of public importance that should have urgent consideration, namely, the decision of the Minister for Consumer Affairs to authorise a grant of only £3 million to the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux instead of the £6 million paid last year, and the damaging comments about the bureaux made subsequently by the Minister". The NACAB is a national body that is responsible for 850 local advice bureaux manned by about 1,000 paid personnel and 12,500 volunteers. As most hon. Members from all parties will be aware, the bureaux provide an invaluable community service. I pay warm tribute to the Norwich citizens advice bureau. Last year the bureaux dealt with over five million inquiries centrally and locally, an increase of 500,000 over the previous year. The bureaux are non-political.

The Minister has authorised the payment of £3 million instead of the £6 million that was paid last year. He has stated, but not to the national association, that the other half will be paid when they put their house in order". He has said that he has been trying for a year to ascertain how the bureaux managed their affairs and where the money went. It is urgent that these disparaging remarks and the impression of political bias be cleared up immediately. The Minister has a respresentative on the national committee and no complaints have been made. The only three complaints that have been made by the Minister have been carefully examined and found to be groundless.

One individual concerned, Mrs. Joan Ruddock, is the chairperson of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament. She works part-time for the Reading CAB. I have had it confirmed this morning by Elizabeth Filkin, the director of the NACAB, that Mrs. Ruddock has been scrupulous in devoting none of her time to political issues during the hours that she works for the citizens advice bureau and has the complete confidence of her colleagues nationally and locally.

The NACAB is a magnificent national service. The officers are appalled that their reputation has been so maligned by the Minister, and it is urgent that the issue is debated in the House. Alternatively, the Minister should have the guts to make a statement about the matter.

Mr. Speaker

I should tell the House that the hon. Member for Gower (Mr. Wardell) notified me of a similar application. I took the application that I received first.

The right hon. Member for Norwich, North (Mr. Ennals) gave me notice before 12 midday that he would seek to move the Adjournment of the House for the purpose of discussing the decision of the Minister for Consumer Affairs to authorise grants of only £3 million to the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux instead of the £6 million paid last year, and the damaging comments about the bureaux made subsequently by the Minister. The House knows that this is not the only procedure under which the issue may be discussed and that I am limited to deciding whether it is of such a nature that it must take priority over all our other business either today or tommorow. The House has instructed me to give no reasons for my decision.

I listened carefully to the right hon. Gentleman's representations, 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.