Airborne Early Warning System

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 4:42 pm on 16 December 1986.

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Photo of Alan Williams Alan Williams , Swansea West 4:42, 16 December 1986

Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker, bearing in mind what my right hon. Friend the Member for Bethnal Green and Stepney (Mr. Shore) said, it is imperative that the House should have an opportunity to discuss this matter before a Cabinet decision is taken. The Cabinet will meet on Thursday morning. If there is no emergency debate—we do not challenge your ruling about tomorrow—and since no business statement is being made today, clearly, by definition, there cannot be any debate on this issue before a decision is taken. Therefore, in what context are we to construe your judgment, Mr. Speaker, that an opportunity may rise? Clearly, no opportunity can arise in advance of a decision being taken.