Mr Michael Hutchison: Will the right hon. Gentleman tell the House what reply he gave to the telegram sent to him by Rankin's Fruit Markets? As the right hon. Gentleman will know, that undertaking has a large number of shops and branches, and was in considerable difficulty.
Mr Michael Hutchison: On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. What does that mean exactly? I deeply resent that interruption of our proceedings from the Gallery. When you say"in custody ", do we have the power to put the miscreant in the Tower for a while? What exactly is proposed?
Mr Michael Hutchison: I am grateful for that reply, Mr. Speaker. However, do we not have powers to be rather more strict than perhaps the police will be? The act was self-evident, and I think that from the House we should take very stern measures against such action.
Mr Michael Hutchison: As this enterprise resulted in a gross waste of public funds, has the accounting officer been surcharged?
Mr Michael Hutchison: I much regret that no mention of the Falkland Islands was made in the Gracious Speech. It is extremely difficult to obtain any information from the Government about proposed developments there and about what is generally in the Government's mind concerning the islands. Open government seems to be all the rage these days. The word "open" is the latest watchword, but it certainty does not apply...
Mr Michael Hutchison: Does the Secretary of State not think that the solution to this problem is for us to get out of the Common Market as being in the Common Market has brought no benefit to the United Kingdom?
Mr Michael Hutchison: Everybody seems to be having trouble with this boundary thing. I should like to join in and say that we in South Edinburgh are having trouble. I have written to the Secretary of State but have not had a reply yet.
Mr Michael Hutchison: Can the Minister explain why there is dampness at all? My house is not damp. Why should anyone else's be?
Mr Michael Hutchison: asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the gross national product of the Falkland Islands for the years 1974, 1975 and 1976; and what is his estimate for the current year.
Mr Michael Hutchison: Does the Minister agree that the gross national product is not really static in the Falklands and that the greatest enemy to their future progress is the political uncertainty? Does the hon. Gentleman accept that there is need for diversification, and the extension of the airfield? Will he do his best to bring these things about?
Mr Michael Hutchison: The hon. Lady might like to know that I am prepared to vote against every clause in the Bill.
Mr Michael Hutchison: I am always interested in the speeches of the hon. Member for Fife, Central (Mr. Hamilton). I cannot follow him, because I am not well up in mining. Perhaps the hon. Member will not object if I direct the attention of the House to another group of people who are far removed from both our constituencies. I refer to the people who inhabit the Falkland Islands. I am sorry that in the Gracious...
Mr Michael Hutchison: Will the Secretary of State tell me of any advantages that we have had from joining the EEC?
Mr Michael Hutchison: Surely under the contract in the Act of Union our English friends should have a say in this matter? One does not break a contract unless both sides are agreed. Our English friends should certainly have a say.
Mr Michael Hutchison: I am amazed at what has been said today. I am not prepared to let the nonsense that we have had today go through. Last week we were told that we must have a mandatory referendum. Many hours were spent on that. Today, however, we have been told exactly the opposite. That does not make sense to me. I am not prepared to have any part of this rotten Bill. All that I want to do is to throw it...
Mr Michael Hutchison: Does the right hon. Gentleman understand that the key to development in the Falklands and their safety is a proper airstrip? The construction company is there, and so is the equipment. The first duty of the Government is to get on with the extension of the airstrip.
Mr Michael Hutchison: I have listened to the debates. I have heard not one speech in favour of the Bill. I am absolutely opposed to it. I am not prepared to legislate for a lot of nonsense, so I shall call a Division and vote against it.
Mr Michael Hutchison: Yes there was.
Mr Michael Hutchison: This part of the Conservative Party thinks no such thing.
Mr Michael Hutchison: I congratulate the hon. Member for Putney (Mr. Jenkins). I am with him all the way. I hope that the Home Office will appoint many inspectors to witness experiments on animals. That would be acceptable to the public. The hon. Member has done a service to the people of the country.