HC Deb 24 June 1926 vol 197 cc553-4
Mr. RAMSAY MacDONALD

Can the Prime Minister say what business is proposed to be taken next week?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Baldwin)

On Monday and Tuesday, we shall take the Coal Mines Bill, Second Reading.

Wednesday and Thursday: The remaining stages of the Coal Mines Bill.

Friday: Motion for the continuation of Regulations under the Emergency Powers Act, 1920.

If time permit on any day next week, we shall take any other Orders on the Paper.

Captain WEDGWOOD BENN

In regard to the Debate to-morrow, is there any reason why the House should not be invited to express its opinion on the Motion which stands in the name of my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Handsworth (Commander Oliver Locker-Lampson)—[That this House condemns the subversive political activities in this country of Soviet organisations admitted for purposes of trade, and is of opinion that the Trade Agreement with the Soviet Government ought to be terminated by His Majesty's Government.]

The PRIME MINISTER

I have not seen the Motion. It is open to any hon. Member to put on the Paper a Vote of Censure against the Government or, on the other hand, to vote against the Motion for the Adjournment.

Captain BENN

Is the Prime Minister aware that the Motion in question has been on the Paper for some days, in the name of my hon. and gallant Friend? Inasmuch as to-morrow is to he devoted to a discussion of Russian affairs, why should we not have an opportunity of voting on the specific question, instead of upon a meaningless question such as the Adjournment of the House?

The PRIME MINISTER

We thought the most convenient way of having the discussion, in which hon. Members on all sides desire to take part, was on the Adjournment.

Commander LOCKER-LAMPSON

Are we to understand that there will be a Division to-morrow?

The PRIME MINISTER

Any hon. Member can vote against the Adjournment. That would be a way of showing his opinion.