HC Deb 31 October 1929 vol 231 cc330-1
Mr. S. BALDWIN

May I ask the Leader of the House what business it is proposed to put down next week?

Mr. SNOWDEN

On Monday next the business will be Committee of Supply, Supplementary Estimates, which will be considered in the following order: Salaries and Expenses of the Office of the Lord Privy Seal. On that occasion my right hon. Friend will make his promised statement. Then will follow Dominions Services, Ex-gratia grants on the recommendation of the Irish Grants Committee; Miscellaneous Legal Buildings; Public Buildings, overseas; and Grants to Bating Authorities, Scotland. The Report stage of the Money Resolutions for the Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions, the High-lands and Islands Medical Services (Additional Grant), and for the Coast Protection Bill will also be taken.

On Tuesday, it has been arranged that the Prime Minister will make a statement on the subject of his visit to the United States and Canada. After the Prime Minister's statement has been disposed of, the House will proceed to consider the Motion to be put down in the name of the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs concerning the resumption of normal diplomatic relations with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. If there is time, it is proposed also to complete the Adjourned Debate on the Second Reading of the Collecting Charities (Regulation) Bill.

Wednesday, of course, is a Private Member's day.

On Thursday, the Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions Bill will be considered in Committee.

On any day, if time permits, other Orders may be taken.

Mr. BALDWIN

With regard to Tuesday's business, I hope the right hon. Gentleman will be able to give the House the terms of the Motion as early as possible. With regard to Monday's business, I notice that the first Order is the salary of the Lord Privy Seal. That salary—and we are all pleased to see it—has been raised, but it may lead to some discussion. I have looked at the Estimates and I gather that there will be scope for a comprehensive and wide discussion on unemployment.

Mr. SNOWDEN

With regard to the first question put by the right hon. Gentleman, the Motion in regard to Russia will be on the Paper to-morrow. I understand that there will be no limitation whatever of the scope of the discussion. The right hon. Gentleman wishes to make the most comprehensive statement he can.

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

May I ask when the Government propose to make a statement with regard to their policy on mines?

Mr. SNOWDEN

I understand that negotiations are still going on, or conversations are still going on, between the mineowners, the Miners' Federation and the representatives of the Government. It is not possible to give a date, but I can assure the House that as soon as a statement can be made it will be given to the House.

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

Can the right hon. Gentleman say apropos of what Motion the Prime Minister will make his statement on Tuesday with regard to his visit to America and whether it will be of such a nature as will give the House an opportunity for discussion, if it so wishes?

Mr. SNOWDEN

We have considered that matter and there have been some conversations through the usual channels. As far as we can gather, there is no desire for a prolonged Debate after the Prime Minister's statement. He will make the statement on the Motion for the Adjournment of the House.

Mr. BALDWIN

With regard to the point just made by the right hon. Gentleman, I agree with him. Either the statement is one which will not create comment or, if there is something in it, we shall desire time to consider it and ask for another day in order to debate it.

Commander O. LOCKER-LAMPSON

Is it not a great mistake to choose a day when the Prime Minister is speaking on America for a subsequent discussion of the Russian situation I Cannot we have a full day for the discussion of Russia?

Ordered, That other Government Business have precedence this day over the Business of Supply."—[Mr. Snowden.]