§ The Lord President of the Council (Mr. Herbert Morrison)Yes, Sir. The Business for next week will be as follows: The Debate on the Address will be continued on Monday, 18th November, and on Tuesday, and brought to a conclusion on Wednesday, 20th November. Subject to Mr. Speaker's approval, it may be convenient for the House to debate specific subjects or Amendments next week, and perhaps you, Sir, will be in a position at the beginning of Business tomorrow to inform the House of your suggestions.
Thursday, 21st November—Consideration of Sessional Orders relating to Standing Committees and other related matters. Second Reading of the Unemployment and Family Allowances (Northern Ireland) Bill, and Committee stage of the necessary Money Resolution. Motion to approve the Potatoes (1946 Crop) (Charges) Order. That, I should say, will not start the revolution, anyway.
Friday, 22nd November—Second Reading of the Ministry of Defence Bill, and Committee stage of the necessary Money Resolution.
§ Mr. EdenThe right hon. Gentleman will, perhaps, have observed that we did not have the whole of yesterday for the Debate on the Gracious Speech. I think we only had from 8.55 p.m. until 10 o'clock. [An HON. MEMBER: "Whose fault was that?"] It was the fault of the House of Commons. I thought perhaps the right hon. Gentleman would consider whether he could give us, at least, half of Thursday. I 236 notice that the Business announced includes the Second Reading of the Unemployment and Family Allowances (Northern Ireland) Bill. So far, we have not had an opportunity to study that Bill. If I might suggest it to the right hon. Gentleman, perhaps consideration of that Bill could be deferred and half a day given for the continuation of the Debate on the Address.
§ Mr. MorrisonI do not think there is any trouble about the Bill with regard to Northern Ireland. I do not want to be presumptuous, but I assure the right hon. Gentleman that I do not think he will find anything troublesome about it. The purpose of the Bill is merely to see that the benefits which are now applicable to Great Britain, shall be applicable to Northern Ireland. I do not think there will be any disputation about that. What I did wonder was whether we could get an agreement with regard to the Business which I have announced up to and including Thursday, that we will see it through somehow; then the Debate on the Address might, perhaps, move into Thursday up to an hour which could be agreed through the usual channels. I am sorry about yesterday's Debate, but I think the right hon. Gentleman will agree that I am not personally responsible. I tried to get the Motion through in an atmosphere of sweetness and light, but there were others who did not take quite the same view as I did. I think we might possibly work on the lines which I have suggested.
§ Mr. EdenI would never like to accuse the right hon. Gentleman of not being responsible for his own Motion. I quite agree with him, however, that what he suggests is a reasonable offer, which perhaps could be discussed through the usual channels.
§ Mrs. Leah ManningIs the Lord President proposing to give an opportunity to the House to discuss at an early date the report on equal pay?
§ Mr. MorrisonI am afraid I am not adequately briefed on that subject.
§ Mrs. ManningI could brief my right hon. Friend.
§ Mr. MorrisonI am not sure whether it would be quite the right brief. I am afraid I cannot say anything about it today.