HC Deb 06 February 1947 vol 432 cc1974-6
Mr. Eden

May I ask the acting Leader of the House, if he will tell us the Business for next week?

The Lord Privy Seal (Mr. Arthur Greenwood)

The Business for next week will be as follows:

Monday, 10th February—Consideration of the Report from the Committee of Privileges on the complaint referred to them on 19th December. A Motion will be tabled inviting the House to implement the recommendations contained in the Report. Afterwards, Committee stage of Civil Supplementary Estimates contained in Paper No. 30, beginning with the Ministry of Civil Aviation; the Ministry of Health; the Ministry of Transport.

Tuesday, 11th February—Further consideration of Civil Supplementary Estimates beginning with the British Broadcasting Corporation; the Home Office; the Ministry of Education; and completion of outstanding Votes.

Wednesday, 12th February—Second Reading of the Polish Resettlement Bill, and Committee stage of the necessary Money Resolution; Consideration of a Lords Amendment to the House of Commons (Redistribution of Seats) Bill; and Second Reading of the Isle of Man Harbours Bill [Lords.]

Thursday, 13th February—Second Reading of the Industrial Organisation Bill and Committee stage of the necessary Money Resolution.

Friday, 14th February—Second Reading of the Naval Forces (Enforcement of Maintenance Liabilities) Bill; Committee and remaining stages of the Appellate Jurisdiction Bill; Births and Deaths Registration Bill; and County Councils Association Expenses (Amendment) Bill.

Mr. Eden

As regards the Supplementary Estimates, the Leader of the House will be aware that they cover a very wide field, and are exceptionally large, totalling more than £27 million. As on Monday we have also to take the Report of the Committee of Privileges, I want to say to the right hon. Gentleman that while we on this side of the House will apply ourselves with diligence to the discussion of the Estimates, there cannot be an undertaking to complete so wide a discussion by Tuesday night.

Mr. Greenwood

I appreciate the point made by the right hon. Gentleman. These are very wide Supplementary Estimates, and, in total, the sum is substantial. But we propose to group them, so that if there are several sub-divisions in one Minister's Estimate, they can be taken together. I hope that we may economise in time in that way.

Mr. Rankin

In view of the urgency of the matter, will my right hon. Friend consider providing time at a very early date for a Debate on the Report of the Air Safety Council?

Mr. Greenwood

That may very well arise when the result of the Ballot is declared this afternoon. That might be one of the subjects chosen for debate on the occasion of moving you out of the Chair, Mr. Speaker, on the Estimates. If so, it will be quite agreeable to us.

Mr. Gallacher

If, in the course of the Debate on the Polish Resettlement Bill, it is realised that many hon. Members wish to participate, will the right hon. Gentleman keep in mind the possibility of extending the time of sitting?

Mr. Greenwood

Without giving any undertaking, I am prepared to consider that. Perhaps we had better see how the Debate goes.

Mr. Rankin

Arising out of the answer given by my right hon. Friend earlier, if the subject to which I referred does not crop up in the Supply Debate, would he consider the suggestion that I have already made?

Mr. Greenwood

I will certainly take that into account if no one, who is lucky in the Ballot, wishes to raise it. I will take that into consideration, without giving any undertaking.