HC Deb 24 March 1972 vol 833 cc1874-5
The Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Francis Pym)

Mr. Speaker, following the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, I should like to announce a change of business for next week.

Consideration of the Sound Broadcasting Bill will be deferred from Tuesday, when the House will be invited to consider the Northern Ireland (Temporary Powers) Bill.

Mr. Harold Wilson

The right hon. Gentleman the Leader of the House has already heard the attitude of most of us on this side of the House. We will do our best to facilitate the Bill, after the proper consideration which I think the right hon. Gentleman is giving the House time to give to it.

Mr. Pym

I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his remarks.

Mr. Callaghan

I am not clear about the arrangements for next week. Shall we have a full day's Second Reading debate on Tuesday? If so, when is it proposed that we should take the Committee and further stages?

Mr. Pym

I should like an opportunity to discuss this matter through the usual channels, but the intention would be to have a Second Reading debate on Tuesday. I should like to discuss the matter when the House has had a chance to study the Bill. Wednesday can be used for continuing the discussion.

Mr. Callaghan

For the Committee stage?

Mr. Pym

Yes.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Being deeply shocked and ashamed by the Prime Minister's statement, I had intended to seek to move the Adjournment of the House under Standing Order No. 9; but it is a Friday—

Mr. Speaker

Order. That cannot be done. Will the hon. Gentleman make his point of order?

Mr. Biggs-Davison

Yes, Mr. Speaker. I wish seriously to put to the House the view that before proceeding to the legislation next week it would be well for us to have a general debate on the situation while Mr. Faulkner is still in office and while, I would hope, other counsels might yet prevail not requiring the legislation which the Government have in mind.

Mr. Speaker

I do not think that is a matter of order.