§ Mr. LANSBURYMay I ask the Prime Minister what alteration, if any, is to be made in the course of business for Thursday, and also what is the business for Friday?
§ The PRIME MINISTERLast Thursday the right hon. Gentleman the Leader of the Opposition asked whether we could reverse the order of business announced for Thursday, and he was supported in that request by the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Darwen (Sir H. Samuel). Conversations have taken place through the usual channels, and the Government have agreed to alter the order of business and to take the Committee stage of the British Sugar Subsidy (Money) Resolution as first Order on Thursday, to be followed by the Second Reading of the London Passenger Transport Agreement Bill. I must make it clear that the Government have only consented to this rearrangement of business on the understanding that the London Passenger Transport Bill will not be prejudiced in any way. The Bill is of an urgent character, and we must get the Second Reading on Thursday.
With regard to Friday, Scottish Estimates will be taken in Committee of Supply, namely, Class 5, Vote 13, Department of Health; and Class 6, Vote 19, Department of Agriculture.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSMay I ask whether the Patronage Secretary still insists on providing only three and a-half hours to discuss the Beet-Sugar Subsidy, which involves £7,500,000?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI think the whole House will agree on the urgency of this Money Resolution, and we must have it on Thursday. It may be necessary to give more time, but it is necessary to have it on Thursday night.
§ Mr. LANSBURYThere is not any disagreement between us, as far as I understand. We had a fairly full discussion on Friday on the London Passenger Transport Bill, and a relatively short time will satisfy us on Thursday. I hope that we shall not bind ourselves too rigidly in regard to the discussion on the beet-sugar subsidy.
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am much obliged to the right hon. Gentleman. I understand that the matter has been arranged and that there has been a general agreement.
§ Sir IAN MACPHERSONFriday is a short day; is it the only day on which we are to have the Scottish Estimates?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI would remind my right hon. Friend of the unusually large number of Supply Days that lie ahead of us and that it rests with the Opposition to ask for the Scottish Estimates if they desire them.