HC Deb 25 October 1984 vol 65 cc829-30 4.39 pm
Mr. Tony Benn (Chesterfield)

I told you a few moments ago, Mr. Speaker, that I would 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 situation created by the decision of the court to seize the assets of the National Union of Mineworkers. I was not able to give you notice before noon, Mr. Speaker, because the news only reached the Press Association at 2.30 pm and came on the tape during Question Time. It was therefore too late for notice to be given, but the Standing Order provides that when it is too late, provided that Mr. Speaker is told at once, it is open to him to rule or announce that he will rule later.

In support of my application, I point out that the court's decision is an unprecedented act which will be seen by those who have contributed to the NUM funds as theft. As my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Leicester, West (Mr. Janner) said in a different context earlier, it will bring the law into disrepute and greatly worsen the crisis in the industry where an official strike has been in progress for seven months. It will put at risk the headquarters of the NUM in Sheffield, which I understand is subject to the sequestration order.

One hon. Member is a member of the executive of the NUM, in accordance with the practice relating to the miners parliamentary group. The European Assembly has found time to discuss the matter, but this House has not. I must repeat as clearly as I can that, as I said two days ago, there is a relationship between the tension on the picket lines and the readiness of Parliament to discuss the greatest industrial dispute of the century. If Parliament will not discuss matters of manifest concern to people in the coal industry and in other industries and to those who cannot get coal, that will certainly bring the House into disrepute.

I strongly urge you, Mr. Speaker, to follow your judgment and to allow us to debate the matter before the new Session.

Mr. Speaker

The right hon. Member for Chesterfield (Mr. Benn) asks 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 situation created by the decision of the court to seize the assets of the National Union of Mineworkers. I listened carefully to what the right hon. Member said. I am bound by Standing Orders and I regret that I do not consider that the matters that he has raised fall within the Standing Orders as being appropriate for discussion under Standing Order No. 10. Therefore, I cannot submit his application to the House.

Mr. Max Madden (Bradford, West)

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. My right hon. Friend the Member for Chesterfield (Mr. Benn) mentioned that an hon. Member is a member of the national executive committee of the NUM. Can you advise the House and, through us, the courts whether the hon. Member concerned would enjoy the immunities normally enjoyed by hon. Members if the courts take action to further the sequestration order made today?

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Gentleman's question relates to a decision of the courts. I will look into the matter and report to the House.