"Today" Newspaper (Hansard, 1 July 1987)

§ Mr. John Smith (Monklands, East)
I beg to ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House, under Standing Order No. 20, for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter that should have urgent consideration, namely, the proposed sale of the Today newspaper to News International plc and the necessity for reference to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission". In view of the heated exchanges that took place in the House earlier today, I need hardly dwell on the fact that this is a specific and important matter. It hardly needs to be argued that the matter is urgent because its urgency was prayed in aid by the Government in justification of their decision. Therefore, I seek to make this application under Standing Order No. 20.

§ Mr. Speaker
The right hon. and learned Gentleman asks leave to move the Adjournment of the House under Standing Order No. 20 for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter that he believes should have urgent consideration, namely, the proposed sale of the Today newspaper to News International plc and the necessity for reference to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission". I have listened with care to the questions this afternoon and to what the right hon. and learned Gentleman has just said. He knows that my sole duty in considering an application under Standing Order No. 20 is whether to give it priority over the business set down for today or tomorrow. I regret that I cannot find that the matter that he has raised meets those criteria and I cannot, therefore, submit his application to the House.

§ Mr. Smith
On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. This is an important matter, and we understand the restrictions under which you must operate. However, as the Leader of the House is in his place, might I request that the Government find time, perhaps early next week, for a debate on this subject?

§ The Lord Privy Seal and Leader of the House of Commons (Mr. John Wakeham)
Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker. I recognise the importance of this subject and the interest that has been shown in it. The Government will make arrangements for an early debate on the matter, but perhaps the timing is best discussed through the usual channels.

§ Mr. Tony Marlow (Northampton, North)
On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. As the first statement today by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister was of much greater significance and importance than the subsequent statements, would it be possible to ask the Leader of the House, who is here at the moment, for an early debate on that subject also?

§ Mr. Speaker
I am sure that the Leader of the House will have heard that, but the hon. Gentleman may have another opportunity to ask him tomorrow.