HC Deb 21 December 1932 vol 273 cc1089-91
Mr. LANSBURY

Will the right hon. Gentleman the Leader of the House tell us what business will be taken when the House reassembles, and whether it is proposed to make the necessary arrangements for recalling Parliament together if necessary?

Mr. BALDWIN

As regards the last point put by the right hon. Gentleman, pertinent words will be embodied in the Motion to be submitted to the House to-morrow. They will be in the form which has been used before, to the effect that the House may be called together, if necessary. The business of the House during the first week after Parliament reassembles will be:

Tuesday, 7th February: Committee stage of the Housing (Financial Provisions) Money Resolution; and Second Reading of the Austrian Loan (Guarantee) Bill; Evidence (Foreign, Dominion and Colonial Documents) Bill [Lords]; and of the Visiting Forces (British Commonwealth) Bill, if received from another place.

Wednesday, 8th February: Private Members' Motions.

Thursday, 9th February: Second Reading of the Housing (Financial Provisions) (Scotland) Bill, and Committee stage of the necessary Money Resolution.

Friday, 10th February: Private Members' Bills.

On any day, should time permit, other Orders will be taken.

Mr. LANSBURY

I am sorry that I have not been able to give the right hon. Gentleman notice of this question, but, in regard to the Visiting Forces Bill, is it the case that the opposition on the Government side has been squared, or does it mean that we shall be called upon to sit all night when we reassemble?

Mr. BALDWIN

I think I shall be able to answer that question when we return.

Mr. LAMBERT

If the French Parliament does not ratify their portion of the Austrian Loan, are we to be asked to proceed with the Second Reading of the Austrian Loan Bill on the 9th of February?

Mr. BALDWIN

I could not possibly answer that question without notice.

Mr. MAXTON

There are two questions which I desire to ask. In making the arrangements for Business for the first day after the Recess, I take it that the Government do not contemplate starting with the suspension of the Eleven o'Clock Rule. The other point is a matter for the convenience of the House. Will the Ballot for Motions be taken in the first week after we reassemble?

Mr. BALDWIN

The answer to the second question is in the affirmative. With regard to the Business on the first day, we always try to whet rather than satiate the appetite.

Mr. DAVID MASON

Has the right hon. Gentleman any further information to give us with regard to negotiations in connection with the American debt?

Mr. BALDWIN

No, Sir.

Mr. MASON

And whether, during the Recess, he contemplates taking the initiative in regard to bringing this question up for review?

Mr. BALDWIN

If no steps have been taken, perhaps the hon. Member will put a question down when we return. If steps are taken, due notice will be given to the House.

Mr. BUCHANAN

There is a question of some importance to Scotland, and that is the appointment of a new judge, possibly the appointment of the Lord Advocate to the position. Before we adjourn will the Leader of the House be in a position to make a Government announcement on that subject, as it is important that there should be continuity of the office. If he is not in a position to make an announcement to-day, I will raise the matter tomorrow in the hope that some statement can be made.

Commander LOCKER-LAMPSON

Can the right hon. Gentleman guarantee us legislation with regard to the tote before next March?

Mr. BALDWIN

No, I cannot guarantee anything at the moment, but I hope when the House meets again that we shall be able to advise them as to the decision the Government have come to on the points raised by the decision of the court.

Sir W. DAVISON

When will the interim report of the Lotteries Commission be received?