§ Mr. LANSBURYMay I ask the Prime Minister what is to be the business for next week?
§ The PRIME MINISTEROn Monday: Conclusion of the Committee stage of the Finance Bill.
§ Tuesday: Second Reading of the Restriction of Ribbon Development Bill [Lords].
§ Wednesday: Motion to approve the Cattle Industry (Emergency Provisions) (Extension of Period) Order; Second Reading of the Diseases of Animals Bill [Lords] and of the Defence (Barracks) Bill [Lords].
§ Thursday: Second Reading of the London Passenger Transport Agreement Bill until 7.30 p.m., and afterwards Committee stage of the British Sugar Subsidy [Money] Resolution.
§ Friday: Supply, Committee (6th allotted day—2nd part).
§ During the week, if there is time on any day, we shall make progress with other Orders which are now on the Paper.
§ Mr. LANSBURYI would like to ask the right hon Gentleman whether we may have a change in the order of business 573 for Thursday. We would like to take the British Sugar Subsidy [Money] Resolution first. We think that that is a highly controversial subject, and may take a considerable time.
§ Sir H. SAMUELI support the request to the Prime Minister with regard to the beet sugar subsidy.
§ The PRIME MINISTERI will make this suggestion. I think the House will agree that it is important to get the London Passenger Transport Bill. Probably that is the general opinion of the House. We shall see to-morrow, when the Committee stage of the Money Resolution is taken, whether that Debate disposes of most of what hon. Members may wish to say, and I think we shall be much better able to judge as to the possibility of meeting this request when we have seen how the Debate proceeds to-morrow. I shall be very glad then if communication will be made on the subject through the usual channels.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSDoes the Prime Minister really believe that the time allocated by the Patronage Secretary for the discussion of a subject which involves £7,000,000 of public money is adequate? Does he not think that, from the point of view of policy and the sum involved, it ought not only to be the first question of the day, but that a full day ought to be given to it? It is a subject of general interest in all parts of the House.
§ The PRIME MINISTERI will not argue with the hon. Gentleman on the point, but we are prepared to consider this matter dispassionately, and when, as I say, we have seen bow the Debate goes to-morrow, we can come to a decision on the subject.