§ Mr. H. MorrisonYes, Sir.
On Monday, 30th June—Third Reading of the Electricity Bill, and Motion to approve the Western Highlands and Islands of Scotland Transport and Mail Agreement.
On Tuesday, 1st July—Supply (8th allotted Day); Committee. The Ministry of Food Estimate will be considered.
On Wednesday, 2nd July—Supply (9th allotted Day); Committee. The Post Office Estimate will be considered.
On Thursday, 3rd July—Supply (10th allotted Day); Committee. The subject for debate will be announced later.
On Friday, 4th July—Second Reading of the Crown Proceedings Bill [Lords],and further progress will be made with other Bills now before the House.
During the Week we shall ask the House to consider the new Ways and Means Resolution relating to Cinematograph Films, and the Motion to approve the Purchase Tax (Charges) (No. 1) Order.
§ Mr. EdenWith regard to Supply Day subjects, perhaps it will be convenient to the House if I explain that we intended to ask for the Colonial Office Vote on an early Supply Day, but decided to postpone doing so until the Report on the Colonies had been published, so that hon. Members in all parts of the House could have an opportunity of considering it before we had the Debate. I understand that the Report will be available by the middle of July. Perhaps the Leader of the House will confirm that, or give any other information he can about it
§ Mr. MorrisonI am advised that the Colonial Office has not published a report of its work since 1939. My right hon. Friend has made a report which is now in the hands of the printer. We think it would be for the general convenience of the House for hon. Members to have an opportunity of studying this document, as the right hon. Gentleman suggests, before we debate Colonial affairs. It is hoped that the document will be available to hon. Members early next month, and no doubt the usual channels could make the appropriate arrangements.
§ Sir Henry Morris- JonesCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the House may have an early opportunity of discussing the Report of the Select Committee on the Members' Pension Fund?
§ Mr. MorrisonI think it is clear that that Report will require to be considered, at any rate, if there is any difference of opinion about it. No doubt hon. Members have it in their minds, but it is a matter for the House, and not for the Government. The Government will study it, and, possibly, give such guidance as the House might wish to receive We have the matter under consideration. Hon. Members have only just received the Report, and are no doubt considering it. I had the point in mind, and we might have to arrange for a short discussion if that is the wish of the House
§ Colonel J. R. H. HutchisonCan the right hon. Gentleman say when we may expect the Consolidating Order, which I understand has been promised, knitting together the various Orders which have been issued in connection with Civil Aviation?
§ Mr. MorrisonYes, Sir. This is now in hand and is being done. We hope it will be available at a not distant date.
§ Mr. Joynson-HicksWill the Leader of the House say whether it is the intention of the Government to make any statement on the situation in Rumania concerning which, it is reported in the Press, the Government sent a note to the Rumanian Government yesterday?
§ Mr. MorrisonI should hardly have thought that came under the Business for next week. If the hon. Member wishes that to be done, perhaps he will communicate with, or put down a Question to, my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary.
§ Sir H. Morris-JonesMay I ask another question about the Members' Pension Fund Report, that is, to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, when the Government are considering this matter, they will do so in terms of a Motion in order to enable the House to have a wider discussion on it than the terms of reference of the Select Committee's Report? I am sure there is a teeling in many part of the House, especially in 685 view of a recent instance, that this matter should be considered in a much wider aspect.
§ Mr. MorrisonThe Report itself is in pretty wide terms. Therefore, I should think that any Motion relating to it will necessarily be in wide terms, and will keep the matter open for a fairly wide discussion. If a discussion takes place, we shall not resist the idea of it being adequately wide for the purpose.