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Electricity Supply Industry (Dispute)

Volume 808: debated on Monday 7 December 1970

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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 dispute currently in the electrical supply industry, which is already causing considerable disruption to communications, transport and industrial production, and causing considerable hardship and inconvenience to the public, particularly in the East Midlands area".
Any further deterioration will without doubt produce a situation not far short of a national state of emergency. I therefore respectfully request that the House be adjourned in order that this matter may be discussed.

The hon. Member must bring his submission to me in writing.

The hon. Member for Derbyshire, South-East (Mr. Rost) was courteous enough to inform me earlier in the day that he might seek to make an application under Standing Order No. 9 this afternoon.

The hon. Gentleman asks leave to move the Adjournment of the House for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter which he thinks should have urgent consideration, namely,
"the dispute currently in the electrical supply industry, which is already causing considerable disruption to communications, transport and industrial production, and causing considerable hardship and inconvenience to the public, particularly in the East Midlands area".
As the hon. Gentleman and the House know, under Standing Order No. 9 I am directed to take account of the several factors set out in the Order but to give no reasons for my decision.

I have listened carefully to the submission which the hon. Member has made, but I have to rule that the hon. Gentleman's submission does not fall within the provisions of the Standing Order; and therefore I cannot submit his application to the House.