Wherever we look, the information technology revolution is having its effect-in the banks and the building societies, in the retail trade and mail order business, throughout commerce and industry, and increasingly in Government. I beg to move, That the Bill be now read a Second time. Gentleman's representations, but I must rule that his submission does not fall within the provisions of the Standing Order and, therefore, I cannot submit his application to the House. The House has instructed me to give no reasons for my decision. Ennals) gave me notice before 12 midday that he would seek to move the Adjournment of the House for the purpose of discussing "the decision of the Minister for Consumer Affairs to authorise grants of only £3 million to the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux instead of the £6 million paid last year, and the damaging comments about the bureaux made subsequently by the Minister." The House knows that this is not the only procedure under which the issue may be discussed and that I am limited to deciding whether it is of such a nature that it must take priority over all our other business either today or tommorow. I took the application that I received first. Wardell) notified me of a similar application. Alternatively, the Minister should have the guts to make a statement about the matter. ![]() The officers are appalled that their reputation has been so maligned by the Minister, and it is urgent that the issue is debated in the House. ![]() The NACAB is a magnificent national service. Ruddock has been scrupulous in devoting none of her time to political issues during the hours that she works for the citizens advice bureau and has the complete confidence of her colleagues nationally and locally. I have had it confirmed this morning by Elizabeth Filkin, the director of the NACAB, that Mrs. Joan Ruddock, is the chairperson of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament. The only three complaints that have been made by the Minister have been carefully examined and found to be groundless. The Minister has a respresentative on the national committee and no complaints have been made. It is urgent that these disparaging remarks and the impression of political bias be cleared up immediately. He has said that he has been trying for a year to ascertain how the bureaux managed their affairs and where the money went. ![]() ![]() He has stated, but not to the national association, that the other half will be paid "when they put their house in order". The Minister has authorised the payment of £3 million instead of the £6 million that was paid last year. Last year the bureaux dealt with over five million inquiries centrally and locally, an increase of 500,000 over the previous year. I pay warm tribute to the Norwich citizens advice bureau. Members from all parties will be aware, the bureaux provide an invaluable community service. The NACAB is a national body that is responsible for 850 local advice bureaux manned by about 1,000 paid personnel and 12,500 volunteers. 10, for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter of public importance that should have urgent consideration, namely, "the decision of the Minister for Consumer Affairs to authorise a grant of only £3 million to the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux instead of the £6 million paid last year, and the damaging comments about the bureaux made subsequently by the Minister". I beg to ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House, under Standing Order No.
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