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[Mr. Biffen]
Business of the House
21 OCTOBER 1982
Sheffield constituency. He will understand, I am sure, that I cannot go beyond the answer that I gave the Leader of the Opposition.
Mr. Sydney Bidwell (Ealing, Southall): Before the onset of winter, will the right hon. Gentleman consider arranging a debate on fuel prices and fixed standing charges for electricity and gas as they affect the aged poor? These people are terrified about the prospect of another winter like last winter.
Mr. Biffen: I fear that I cannot offer the prospect of a debate next week.
Several Hon. Members rose————
Mr. Speaker: Order. I propose to allow questions to run until 4 pm in the hope that all those wishing to put questions will be accommodated.
Mr. R. A. McCrindle (Brentwood and Ongar): On the issue of trade policy, on a basis wider than that relating to steel, will my right hon. Friend arrange to have repeated in the House the statement made yesterday in the other place by the Secretary of State for Trade who seemed to imply that the Government were moving towards a change of policy in respect of the protection of this country's vital interests? Is it not desirable that his statement should at least be repeated if there cannot be a debate before the House prorogues?
Mr. Biffen: I am certain that my right hon. and noble Friend made a very important speech earlier this week. I cannot believe that a Queen's Speech debate can take place without a great deal of it being devoted to trade topics.
Mr. Geoffrey Robinson (Coventry, North West): Is the Leader of the House aware of early-day motion No. 707 relating to the privatisation of the National Maritime Institute?
[That the transfer of the undertaking and assets of the National Maritime Institute to NMI Ltd., as set out in the Treasury Minute dated 30 September 1982, be not proceeded with until long-term arrangements beyond 1987 have been agreed with the Shadow Board of NMI Ltd. and with the Institution of Professional Civil Servants for the capital and revenue support for fundamental research into the areas of maritime technology, ocean engineering and civil engineering aerodynamics, that are of strategic national importance, on terms and conditions no less favourable than those enjoyed by competing foreign establishments.]
I appreciate that there is no obligation on the Government to have a debate on the issue on the Floor of the House. However, will the right hon. Gentleman draw to the attention of his right hon. Friends the immense importance of strategic research by that institute in key areas related to the long-term future of this country and see that arrangements are made for safeguarding it?
Mr. Biffen: The hon. Gentleman makes a serious, albeit contentious, point. I shall ensure that the appropriate Secretary of State is made aware of his views.
Mr. James Wellbeloved (Erith and Crayford): Will the Leader of the House find time for an urgent debate into the horrifying death of Lucy Gates who lost her life while in the care of the local authority? Is he aware that the urgency
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of a debate is magnified by the refusal of the council of the London borough of Bexley to publish the results of the inquiry that has been held into the little girl's death?
Mr. Biffen: I cannot give any guarantee of Government time for a debate on that subject next week. I am sure that the hon. Gentleman will be the first to acknowledge that it is exactly the type of topic that can be pursued with success and vigour by a Back-Bench Member.
Mr. Richard Needham (Chippenham): Is my right hon. Friend aware of early-day motion No. 705:
That this House congratulates the Electrical and Engineering Staff Association, a section of the E.E.P.T.U., on its decision not to support the 24-hour strike in the steel industry on 22nd October on the grounds, first, that the strike can only damage the industry further and, secondly, that the TUC Steel Committee did not fully consult with members before calling for action; asks the Government to consider urgently the steps requested by the Electrical and Engineering Staff Association to help British Steel, notably, effective licensing and monitoring of foreign imports, tighter EEC Regulations and investigation of unfair subsidies; and urges the Trades Union Congress not to call for any further damaging national strikes without fair and secret ballots of all trade union members affected.
It shows that many of my hon. Friends would also welcome support for a debate on the steel industry to show their backing for the brave stand of the Electrical and Engineering Staff Association in deploring the strike later this week that can only do even more damage to the steel industry. Does my right hon. Friend accept that many hon. Members would welcome a debate in order to point out that American steel workers cost an average of $23 an hour and are earning four to five times more than a British steel worker, without, in many cases, any corresponding increase in productivity?
Mr. Biffen: I note my hon. Friend's desire for a debate on the steel industry. I admire the manner in which he has given a trailer of his speech, should he be called to make
one.
Mr. David Winnick (Walsall, North): Does the Leader of the House recognise the urgency of obtaining a statement from the Home Secretary on Operation Countryman? Is he aware of the considerable public disquiet over remarks made by the former chief constable of Dorset, the first head of Operation Countryman, that there had been some obstruction over inquiries into allegations of corruption in the police force? Will the right hon. Gentleman try to ensure that a statement is made by the Home Secretary before the new Session begins?
Mr. Biffen: I shall certainly ensure that my right hon. Friend is made aware of the point made by the hon. Gentleman.
Mr. Tony Marlow (Northampton, North): In view of what the Prime Minister has said, will my right hon. Friend confirm that the White Paper on the immigration rules to be issued next week will be more along the lines of a discussion document than a statement of Government policy?
Mr. Biffen: The description "White Paper" means that it is bound to be a statement of Government policy. That it will give rise to plenty of discussion I have no doubt.
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