HL Deb 31 October 1946 vol 143 cc923-4
THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS (VISCOUNT ADDISON)

My Lords, with your Lordships' permission I hope that I may be allowed to say a word or two, at this stage, about next week's business. On Tuesday, the House will meet at the usual time, and the Roosevelt Memorial Bill will be taken. I hope your Lordships will agree that it shall be taken through all its stages on that day. I am sure your Lordships will appreciate how appropriate and acceptable it would be if we had a good attendance on that occasion.

On Wednesday, owing to the arrangements made for discussion of the matter raised in connexion with Germany, which was postponed recently, I think that the only way to get through our business will be to ask the House to meet at half past eleven to consider the message from the Commons on the Lords Amendments to the National Health Service Bill. In the afternoon there will be the discussion on Germany on Motions by Lord Saltoun and Lord Beveridge. I might also say that it is hoped that that discussion will be terminated by about five o'clock, as the Royal Commission is expected before six o'clock, when the Royal Assent to various Acts will be given, followed, it is expected, by the Prorogation of Parliament. I am sure your Lordships will not take it amiss if I remind those who wish to speak, that it would be convenient if speakers were not too long, so that we were able to finish the debate at the time I have mentioned.

The new Session will begin by the opening of Parliament by the King in person on the morning of Tuesday, November 12. As your Lordships are aware, the debate on the Address will be moved and seconded by members on this side of the House, and the usual practice for your Lordships is that the debate on the Address is concluded on that day.

LORD LLEWELLIN

I am much obliged to the noble Viscount the Leader of the House, and in regard to what he said about the Roosevelt Memorial Bill we are absolutely fully in accord with him. As to the debate on the Address I should like it to be left over at this stage as to whether we should be content with only one day. I think it may be quite probable that we shall ask for more than one day.

VISCOUNT ADDISON

I quite understand, and if so we would, of course, seek to meet the convenience of the House.