HC Deb 05 May 1932 vol 265 cc1289-91
Mr. LANSBURY

May I ask the Lord President of the Council what will be the business next week?

Mr. BALDWIN

Monday and Tuesday: Finance Bill; Second Reading.

I think that I was correct in the assumption I made the other day that one day has been more usual during recent years for the Second Reading, but a question was raised in the House, and I am glad to give a second day, which, I hope, will be sufficient. It will make altogether four days of discussion on the general principles of the Finance Bill.

Wednesday: National Health Insurance and Contributory Pensions Bill, Second Reading.

Thursday: Children and Young Persons Bill; Report and Third Reading.

Friday: Adjournment for the Whitsun Recess until Monday, 23rd May.

During the week any other business which it is necessary to dispose of before the Recess will be taken, including the Report and Third Reading of the Hire Purchase and Small Debt (Scotland) Bill, and of the Universities (Scotland) Bill from another place, and, if received from another place, the Lords Amendments to the Wheat Bill.

Mr. LANSBURY

I think that most Members of the House will appreciate the consideration given by the right hon. Gentleman to our application for two days for the Second Reading of the Finance Bill, but in regard to the Hire Purchase and Small Debt (Scotland) Bill, I should like to ask that some negotiation should take place before it is taken at a late hour, as we may want to discuss it.

Mr. BALDWIN

I will certainly agree to that.

Mr. MAXTON

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the National Health Insurance and Contributory Pensions Bill will be available to Members?

Mr. BALDWIN

On Monday, I hope.

Colonel GRETTON

Can my right hon. Friend say when the Finance Bill will be circulated?

Mr. BALDWIN

It was circulated this morning.

Mr. MAXTON

May I take it that the Bill is not a very extended one, and that the 48 hours we shall have had it in our hands will be sufficient to enable us to examine its provisions?

Mr. BALDWIN

The Committee stage, of course, will not take place until after Whitsun.

Mr. MAXTON

May I ask whether the Government propose to finish the Report and Third Reading of the Children and Young Persons Bill in one day on Thursday?

Mr. BALDWIN

I should like to assure the Leader of the Opposition to the Opposition that we do.

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