HC Deb 26 March 1947 vol 435 c1241
Mr. Eden

May I ask the acting Leader of the House if he can tell us what the Government's intentions are about the Business today, in the light of the Motion that is on the Order Paper?

The Lord Privy Seal (Mr. Arthur Greenwood)

Yes, Sir. We desire to obtain today, as I have already announced, the Committee and remaining stages of the Army and Air Force (Annual) Bill and of the Forestry Bill; and also the Lords Amendments to the Polish Resettlement Bill. It is proposed to move the Suspension of the Rule as a precautionary measure, but we hope that the Business can be obtained without asking the House to sit unduly late.

I should like to make a statement affecting Business tomorrow for the convenience of the House. The Dog Racecourse Betting Bill, which the House was good enough to pass through all its stages last Friday, may be amended in another place, and, if so, we expect to receive the Amendments today. They will be printed and made available to hon. Members tomorrow morning. I am informed that the Amendments will deal with a point which was raised on the Bill in this House, and which my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary promised to consider. As there will be a Royal Commission during the evening, I hope that the House will agree to our considering the Lords Amendments as first Order tomorrow, before we enter upon the Second Reading of the Fire Services Bill.

Mr. Eden

While agreeing with what the right hon. Gentleman says about taking the Lords Amendments as first Order tomorrow, may I say—I am sure he will understand me—that we hope it will not be regarded as a precedent for taking Lords Amendments at such short notice.

Mr. Greenwood

I thank the right hon. Gentleman for that But the House will realise that this Bill, if it is to be passed, must be passed urgently. We are in the hands of the House of Lords, and there is a Royal Commission tomorrow.