HC Deb 09 October 1945 vol 414 cc33-4
Mr. Churchill

May I ask the Leader of the House whether he has any statement to make on Business?

Mr. H. Morrison

There is no change in the Business announced for to-day, to-morrow and Thursday. On Thursday, after the proceedings in connection with the National Insurance (Industrial Injuries) Bill, we shall also ask the House to consider the Motions to approve Import Duties (Exemptions) (No. 3) and Additional Import Duties (No. 2) Orders.

In regard to the Report from the Select Committee on Elections, the Government have decided to bring in a Bill to relieve the two hon. Members concerned from the pecuniary penalties which they have incurred and to validate their elections in accordance with the recommendations of the Committee. The Report became available on the day the House adjourned for the Recess, and, as the position of the two hon. Members has been in doubt for a considerable time, we feel that the House will wish to deal with the matter as soon as possible. The Bill will be presented to-morrow and we hope that the House will agree to take the Second Reading as first order on Friday.

We shall then take the Second Reading of the Indian Franchise Bill [Lords] and ask the House to approve a draft Order to set up the Boundary Commissions so that they can begin their general review of Parliamentary constituencies. Under the Representation of the People Act, 1945—which was passed before the date of termination of hostilities could be foreseen—the date fixed for the Boundary Commissions for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to be constituted, and for all the Boundary Commissions (including that for England) to begin their general review of Parliamentary constituencies, is 15th October, 1946, with power to advance or postpone by one year. Now that hostilities have ceased, it is desirable that the review should begin, and the Order accordingly advances the date to 15th October, 1945. The Order cannot take effect until approved in draft by both Houses of Parliament. Afterwards, if there is time, we hope to make progress with the Indian Divorce Bill and the British Settlements Bill.

The Inshore Fishing Industry Bill and the Artificial Insemination Bill will be postponed.

Mr. Henderson Stewart

Did I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say that the Inshore Fishing Industry Bill and the other Bill which he mentioned would be postponed?

Mr. Morrison

Both are to be postponed.

Mr. Cocks

On a point of Order. May I ask Mr. Speaker whether the statement to be made by the Foreign Secretary will be subject to debate?

Mr. Speaker

The statement will not be subject to debate.