§ Mr. STANLEY BALDWINMay I ask the Prime Minister whether the Government are prepared to give Thursday of this week for a debate on Indian Affairs? I should like to offer the right hon. Gentleman a warm welcome from everyone on this side of the House on his return, and to say that the House has not seemed the same place without him.
§ The PRIME MINISTERA request for an opportunity for an early discussion on Indian affairs has reached me through the usual channels, and it is proposed to modify the business which we had 616 announced for this week by providing an opportunity for such a debate on Thursday. On the conclusion of the Debate on Indian affairs, the programme already announced for Thursday will be proceeded with if there be time.
§ Mr. BALDWINWould it not be the most convenient procedure if the Leader of the House moved the Adjournment so as to permit the Secretary of State to make his statement. I do not know whether anything has been put to the right hon. Gentleman about that.
§ The PRIME MINISTERAs a matter of fact, nothing has been put before me, and I have been too busy since I came back to consider the matter. Would it not be better if the Debate were in any other way? If not, I am perfectly prepared to move the Adjournment of the House.
§ Mr. BALDWINThat will, of course, avoid the Debate taking place on a Motion. We do not want it on a Motion.
§ The PRIME MINISTERI quite concur in what has been said. I think it would be better if the right hon. Gentleman gave us time to consider the matter, but my first impression is that it is far better to have the Debate on a Motion for the Adjournment.