HC Deb 28 April 1932 vol 265 cc578-9
Mr. LANSBURY

May I ask the Lord President of the Council the business for next week?

Mr. BALDWIN

Monday: Supply, Committee, Police and Prisons Votes.

Tuesday: Supply, Committee, Mines Department Vote.

Wednesday and Thursday: Debate on a Motion to approve an Order made under the Import Duties Act, 1932, and on a Motion to approve the revocation of Orders made under the Abnormal Import (Customs Duties) Act, 1931.

Friday: Supply, Committee, Ministry of Transport Vote.

On any day, if there is time, other Orders will be taken.

Mr. CHURCHILL

Can my right hon. Friend give us any indication when the Second Reading of the Finance Bill is likely to be taken?

Mr. BALDWIN

I would not like to be committed, but as at present arranged we hope to take it on Monday week.

Mr. CHURCHILL

Will my right hon. Friend consider the desirability of giving the usual two days' Debate to the Second Reading of the Finance Bill?

Mr. BALDWIN

I am not sure that that epithet is chosen with accuracy, but I will look into it.

Mr. MAXTON

When will the House have the Second Reading of the Rent Restrictions Bill, or at least an opportunity of seeing the Bill in print? The right hon. Gentleman will remember that this Bill was promised in the King's Speech, but there has been no word of it, and the time is getting on. If we do not have it soon, it will be impossible to finish it this Session. Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that it is now time that the House had an opportunity of discussing the Irish question having regard to happenings in Ireland, to the statement of the Dominions Secretary, and to the great interest of the Dominions generally in this question?

Mr. BALDWIN

I do not think that any useful purpose would be served at the present moment in having such a Debate. With regard to the first question of the hon. Gentleman, perhaps he will be good enough to put it down to the Minister of Health whose Department is concerned.

Mr. MAXTON

It is because I have received no satisfaction for several months from the Minister of Health that I am going to what is, presumably, a higher power in the Cabinet.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that if we attempt to put down the question to the Minister of Health it is not allowed, because questions on legislation must be addressed to the Leader of the House?

Mr. BALDWIN

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put it down to the Prime Minister, who, I hope, will be here next week.

Mr. MAXTON

We cannot have that. I want to ask you, Mr. Speaker, if it is in order for the Leader of the House, when acting for the Prime Minister, to refuse the responsibility that he owes to the House?

Mr. SPEAKER

I do not think that it is out of order.