§ Mr. Dennis Canavan (Falkirk, West)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 threat to the Commonwealth games caused by the Government's continuing refusal to implement effective sanctions against South Africa.You turned down a similar request last Thursday, Mr. Speaker, but the matter has become more urgent since then. Five countries have definitely withdrawn from the Commonwealth games — Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania — and unless the British Government take action now against the South African Government there is a strong possibility of other black African countries and Asian countries, such as India, boycotting them. Indeed, the very existence of the games, which are due to start next week, could be endangered.Yesterday the Commonwealth Games Federation took the correct decision of banning the South Africans, Zola Budd and Annette Cowley, but the black African countries are rightly demanding effective action by the British Government against the South African Government. The people of Scotland and other parts of the United Kingdom are demanding such action as well, and over 30 Members from various parts of the United Kingdom have signed early-day motion 1100, which stands in my name and which is to that effect. If we are to judge from the weekend statement by a former Tory Prime Minister, the right hon. Member for Old Bexley and Sidcup (Mr. Heath), there is at least some support on the Conservative benches for more effective measures.
In 1970, when the Commonwealth games were last held in Scotland, they were hailed throughout the world as the friendly games. Many young people, both black and white, came together at Meadowbank stadium from all parts of the Commonwealth in a spirit of sport and friendship. That friendship, which reflected the unity of the Commonwealth, is now endangered by a spoilsport at No. 10 Downing street, who is putting her misplaced loyalty to President Botha before the loyalty of the United Kingdom to its many friends throughout the Commonwealth. I ask you, Mr. Speaker, to consider my application.
§ Mr. SpeakerThe hon. Member for Falkirk, West (Mr. Canavan) 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 threat to the Commonwealth games caused by the Government's refusal to implement effective sanctions against South Africa.I have listened carefully to what the hon. Gentleman has had to say, but I must take into account the various criteria laid down in the Standing Order. I regret that I do not consider the matter which he has raised as appropriate for discussion under Standing Order No. 10 and I cannot, therefore, submit his application to the House.Later—
§ Mr. Jeremy Corbyn (Islington, North)On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Further to the application under Standing Order No. 10 by my hon. Friend the Member for 691 Falkirk, West (Mr. Canavan), can you advise the House of the best way in which to ensure that the Home Office re-examines the nationality status of Miss Zola Budd? Clearly the Commonwealth Game Federation has found something seriously wanting in her nationality status, and it has referred to the fraud by which she received that nationality. Can you advise us how the Home Secretary can be brought to the House and made to comment on this matter?
§ Mr. SpeakerIt is not for me to advise the hon. Gentleman on tactics. There are many other opportunities for the hon. Gentleman to make his point.
§ Mr. John Carlisle (Luton, North)Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker. Can you advise me on the matter of hon. Members making applications under Standing Order No. 10? The hon. Member for Falkirk, West (Mr. Canavan) has raised a matter which is not within the control of the House or the Government. Is it right that hon. Members should parade political views on the Floor of the House when the matters in question have nothing to do with the Government? If the Commonwealth Games Federation is foolish enough to expel various people from the games, that is not a matter for the House. The hon. Gentleman is wasting our time.
§ Mr. SpeakerHon. Members frequently raise matters under Standing Order No. 10 about which they are deeply concerned. I have to rule whether such applications should have precedence over the Orders of the Day.