HC Deb 08 February 1983 vol 36 c902 4.51 pm
Mrs. Shirley Williams (Crosby)

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 breakdown of negotiations on the water strike over the weekend, the further deterioration of water supplies and the growing danger to public health as a result of pollution and the rising lead levels in water. During the weekend discussions on the water strike effectively broke down. It has become clear that the trade unions will not accept a decision to go to arbitration, and the employers will not accept that they have not negotiated in good faith.

I ask for the Adjournment of the House to discuss the possibility of setting up a committee of inquiry to investigate the matter. The matter is important because we understand that there is a possibility that the electricity power workers will support the water workers, thereby bringing the lifeblood of this country—water and energy—to an end.

It is a matter for urgent consideration because it was announced this morning that emergency cover might be removed from the southern water area, which has 4 million customers. It is clear that the level of lead in the water supply in some parts of the country is now reaching danger level for developing children and expectant mothers.

On those three counts, showing the specific, important and urgent nature of the issue, I ask you, Mr. Speaker, to permit the Adjournment of the Hous to discuss the matter as it affects a great many of our fellow citizens.

Mr. Speaker

The right hon. Member for Crosby (Mrs. Williams) gave me notice before 12 o'clock this morning that she would seek leave to move the Adjournment of the House for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter that she thinks should have urgent consideration, namely, the breakdown of negotiations on the water strike over the weekend, the further deterioration of water supplies and the growing danger to public health as a result of pollution and the rising lead levels in water. The House will have listened with anxiety to the right hon. Lady. We are all aware that she has drawn our attention to a very serious matter, which is continuing. As the House knows, under Standing Order No. 9, the House has specifically directed me to take into account the several factors set out in the order, but to give no reason for my decision.

Despite our anxieties, and the anxious care with which I listened to the right hon. Lady, I must rule that her submission does not fall within the provisions of the Standing Order. Therefore, I cannot submit her application to the House.