HC Deb 27 July 1983 vol 46 c1222 5.38 pm
Mr. Guy Barnett (Greenwich)

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 that should have urgent consideration, namely, the decision of the Government to run down the Overseas Development Administration's scientific and special units. As the House knows, the Select Committee on Foreign Affairs presented its report on the scientific and special units in April this year. This morning, the Overseas Development Administration issued a White Paper — Cmnd. 9003—totally rejecting the Committee's findings that these units should be retained and even developed. The Department also called a press conference for this morning which had to be aborted when it was apparently discovered that such a step might involve a grave discourtesy to the House.

The Committee's findings, and the weight of expert evidence that it took, have never been debated in the House. The matter is specific and ought to be debated. But it is also urgent. From the evidence that the Select Committee took, it is quite clear that if the Government implement the recommendations set out in the White Paper, that decision will be irreversible. Teams of specialists will be broken up. The probability is that the change in Government policy will be far advanced in its implementation by the time the House has a chance of giving the matter proper consideration. Indeed, the White Paper specifically rejects the Select Committee's recommendation that the implementation of any action should be suspended to make possible the investigation of other options.

I believe that the matter is important for three reasons. The first is that the units have a crucial role in maintaining and improving the quality of aid—a matter of growing comment and concern among those who work in development. The second is that the units enjoy an international reputation, and their research and professional advice are sought from countries all over the world. The third is that their work in such fields as disease and pest control, tropical products and many others, is of direct interest to millions of very poor people living in very poor countries. For that reason alone, I believe that it is an important and urgent matter deserving the consideration of the House.

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member for Greenwich (Mr. Barnett) seeks 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 decision of the Government to run down the Overseas Development Administration's scientific and special units. I have listened carefully to what the hon. Gentleman said—as, indeed, has the House. As he knows, under Standing Order No. 10 I am directed to take into account the several factors set out in the order but to give no reasons for my decision. I have given careful thought to the representations that the hon. Member has made but I have to rule that his submission does not fall within the provisions of the Standing Order. Therefore, I cannot submit his application to the House.