§ Mr. STANLEY BALDWINWould the Prime Minister be good enough to say on what date he proposes to call the House together after the Recess, and what the business will be when we reassemble?
§ The PRIME MINISTERWe propose that the House should reassemble on Tuesday, the 29th October.
The first business before the House will be a Bill dealing with widows' pensions. I am advised that the necessary Bill will not require to be introduced on a Money Resolution, and on that assumption the Bill will be introduced to-morrow and circulated during the Recess.
The programme for the first week of the Sitting will be as follows:
Tuesday: Widows' Pensions Bill, Second Reading.
I am assuming, in the announcement I am making, that the House will agree to-day to the amended Standing Orders which are down on the Order Paper in my name, so that Wednesday, 30th October, will be a private Members' day. In that event, a ballot will be necessary on the Tuesday.
Thursday and Friday: The Widows' Pensions Bill will be considered in Committee of the Whole House.
If time permits on any day, it is proposed to take other Orders, including the Second Reading of the Third Parties (Rights against Insurers) Bill. This Bill, which it is hoped will prove non-controversial, will be introduced before the Recess and circulated before the House meets.
1312 I must also make another proviso, namely, that, if it be the desire, in the light of circumstances then existing, to debate the question of relations with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, the Government will have to modify the above programme so as to afford an opportunity for such a Debate during that week.
Mr. CHAMBERLAINCan the right hon. Gentleman say when the text of the Widows' Pensions Bill will be circulated?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIt is in active preparation now, and it will be circulated well before the meeting of the House.
§ Mr. HARRISWould it be possible to have a Ballot for private Members' Motions to-morrow, so that the successful Members who draw places will have adequate time in which to prepare?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am perfectly willing to make any arrangement that I can to help to meet the convenience of the House, but I should have thought that the notice I have given to-day would enable Members to make up their minds by the 30th October.
§ Major COLFOXSince this is the first announcement that has been made as to the date of the reassembling of Parliament after the Recess, car the Prime Minister explain how it was that that date was published in this morning's papers?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am very sorry, but I often wish I could lay my hands on innumerable leakages that take place in that and other matters.
§ Colonel GRETTONMay I ask the Prime Minister if he intends to put down on the Paper on Friday a Motion limiting the time for the discussion of the very important matters indicated that will be raised on the Motion for the Adjournment of the House?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI was going to allow Friday to be just the usual sitting.