HC Deb 23 July 1946 vol 425 cc1881-4
Mr. Eden

May I ask the Leader of the House if he has any statement to make about Business this week?

Mr. Herbert Morrison

I am much obliged to the right hon. Gentleman. The Canadian Government have asked, as a matter of urgency, for a Bill to amend the British North America Acts to be submitted to Parliament here. The object of the Bill is to provide for a readjustment of representation in the House of Commons of Canada. Under the Statute of Westminster, legislation amending the British North America Acts is reserved to the United Kingdom Parliament. The Bill passed through all its stages in another place yesterday, and I trust that the House will be agreeable to passing it through all its stages in this House on Friday, before we proceed to the Third Reading of the National Health Service Bill.

It may be convenient for me to inform the House of the days upon which we propose to take other items of Business during the week. Tonight, after the conclusion of the Report stage of fie National Health Service Bill, we shall ask the House to take the Second Reading of the Isle of Man (Customs) Bill. Tomorrow, after the Business of Supply, we propose to take the Committee and remaining stages of the Isle of Man (Customs) Bill; the Motion to approve the Biscuit (Charges) (Amendment) (No. 2) Order; and the final stage of the three Government of Burma Orders. On Thursday, after Business of Supply, we shall ask the House to consider Lords Amendments, which are expected to De received today, to the National Insurance (Industrial Injuries) Bill. We shall then proceed with the Report and Third Reading of the Diplomatic Privileges (Extension) Bill [Lords], which has already been announced.

Mr. Stokes

May I ask the Leader of the House whether, in view of present anxiety, he is yet able to state when the Debate on Palestine will take place?

Mr. Morrison

Yes, Sir, it is intended that the Debate shall take place next week.

Mr. Stokes

On which day?

Mr. Morrison

I do not want to be committed because sometimes there are final readjustments, but probably on Wednesday end Thursday.

Captain John Crowder

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the House will adjourn for the Summer Recess?

Mr. Morrison

If all goes well, and sweetness and light remain in the functioning of the usual channels, I hope to be able to say on Thursday.

Mr. David Renton

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the House some idea of how long the additional Business on Friday is likely to take because we are taking on that day the Third Reading of the National Health Service Bill upon which a great many Members desire to speak?

Mr. Morrison

I am not trying to commit the House to this precedent, but my right hon. Friend the Chief Whip did tell me that in 1943 the whole thing took seven minutes. I think the House will agree that the Parliament of Canada having so resolved, this House must meet their wishes