§ Mr. R. A. ButlerHas the Leader of the House any further statement to make about Business?
§ The Lord President of the Council (Mr. Herbert Morrison)Yes, Sir. In addition to the Business which I have announced for this week, it will almost certainly be necessary to ask the House to pass a Resolution continuing in force the Proclamation issued by the Governor of Madras under Section 93 of the Government of India Act, 1935, which is at present due to expire at midnight on 29th April. I am informed that local discussions with a view to the formation of a Ministry following the recent elections are in progress, but may not be completed by that date.
§ Mr. ButlerThe right hon. Gentleman will realise that business is now piling up. My right hon. Friend the Leader of the Opposition has previously referred to the Amendments coming from another place, particularly to the Acquisition of Land (Authorisation Procedure) Bill. In view of the statement which the right hon. Gentleman has just made, will he now withdraw some of the business, in order to lighten the programme?
§ Mr. MorrisonI am sorry, but I am afraid we cannot. The business for this week is all essential business. This matter has arisen out of political circumstances, of which the India Office were not earlier aware. I apologise to the House, but I am afraid we cannot help it.
§ Mr. ButlerCan the right hon. Gentleman explain why this Order, which is on a par with other Orders, was not brought up before? It would seem that it ought to have been foreseen, particularly as the date of expiry is 29th April.
§ Mr. MorrisonI understand that it was anticipated that a Government—a Ministerial Government—would be formed in Madras Province, and that at the last moment it looks as though that is not likely. Therefore, the Order has become necessary. There is a dispute as to the leadership, which does sometimes happen, but there it is.
§ Lieut.-Commander BraithwaiteWhen is this Order to be taken?
§ Mr. MorrisonEither tomorrow or Wednesday.