HC Deb 19 April 1928 vol 216 cc366-7
Mr. CLYNES

May I ask the Prime Minister to state the business for next week?

The PRIME MINISTER

Monday: Conclusion of the Committee stage of the Representation of People (Equal Franchise) Bill; Report and Third Reading of the Local Authorities (Emergency Provisions) Bill, if not obtained tonight.

Tuesday: The Chancellor of the Exchequer will open his Budget.

Wednesday and Thursday, until Half-past Seven o'Clock: General discussion on the Budget Resolutions.

The business to be taken after Half-past Seven on Thursday will be announced later.

On any night when time permits, other Orders.

Mr. CLYNES

Will the Prime Minister indicate how soon the Opposition may begin a Debate in this House on the mishandling by the Government of the rubber question? In the event of Thursday not being allotted for that purpose, may I ask the Prime Minister, in view of the progress made with the Equal Franchise Bill, to consider whether, in the event of the Committee stage being completed early on Monday, the remainder of Monday can be allotted?

The PRIME MINISTER

I am so attracted by the title of the discussion that I should like it on as early a date as possible, and I will give every consideration to try to arrange it as soon as possible, if my right hon. Friend will communicate with me through the usual channels.

Mr. E. BROWN

Will the House have the Report of the Committee on which the decision was taken before that Debate takes place?

The PRIME MINISTER

No, Sir.

Mr. BROWN

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think it very important, if the Debate is to serve any real purpose, that the Members of the House should have that Report?

The PRIME MINISTER

That Report is a private Report.

Mr. BROWN

But is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the action is a public action, which has had a very serious effect upon many thousands of people in this country and abroad, and has cost many millions of pounds, and ought not the House to have this Report?

Mr. SPEAKER

That view can be advanced on the appropriate occasion.

Ordered, That other Government business have precedence this day of the Business of Supply."—[The Prime Minister.]