HC Deb 09 December 1948 vol 459 cc563-5
Mr. Eden

May I ask the Lord President of the Council to state the Business of the House for next week?

The Lord President of the Council (Mr. Herbert Morrison)

The Business for next week will be as follows:

  • Monday, 13th December—A Debate will take place on Food on the Motion for the Adjournment of the House.
  • Tuesday, 14th December — Second Reading of the Licensing Bill, and Committee stage of the necessary Money Resolution.
  • Wednesday, 15th December—Second Reading of the Legal Aid and Advice Bill, and Committee stage of the necessary Money Resolution.
  • Consideration of Motions to approve the draft Police Pensions (Amendment) Regulations and similar Regulations for Scotland, and the draft National Insurance (Compensation) Regulations.
  • Thursday, 16th December—Second Reading of the Legal Aid and Solicitors (Scotland) Bill, and Committee stage of the necessary Money Resolution.
  • Consideration of Motion to approve the draft Lace Industry (Levy) Order.
  • Friday, 17th December—It is proposed to adjourn for the Christmas Recess until Tuesday, 18th January, 1949.
  • During the week, we shall ask the House to consider any Amendments to Bills which may be received from another place.

Mr. Eden

The right hon. Gentleman will remember that we should have liked a day before Christmas to debate Service pay and allowances. It has not been possible to fit it in, and so we shall seek an opportunity for a Debate after the Christmas Recess.

Mr. Morrison

It was all right as far as we were concerned, but I understand that there may be another view. We shall do our best to arrange it, but it may be necessary on this occasion to take a Supply Day. We are giving up a Government day for the Debate on food, but I suggest that the matter should be discussed through the usual channels.

Mr. Skeffington

is my right hon. Friend in a position to announce the arrangements in regard to Private Members' Bills, as I have tried to find out some particulars myself and have failed to obtain any information?

Mr. Morrison

I expect to be in a position to make an announcement next week.

Mr. Kenneth Lindsay

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the possibility of a Debate on the universities, in view of the many reports recently published and the fact that over £20 million is being spent in this connection by different Government Departments?

Mr. Morrison

That is a matter which should come up for consideration on the Estimates. I cannot very well give up a day out of the Government's time for a Debate on this subject.

Mr. Lipson

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered the request made to him last week for the suspension of the Rule for one hour for today's Debate?

Mr. Morrison

I have kept my ears open, but I have found no response, to that suggestion except from my hon. Friend the Member for Ipswich (Mr. Stokes) and now from the hon. Member for Cheltenham (Mr. Lipson). On the whole, I think we shall have a tidier Debate if we finish in the ordinary way.

Colonel Stoddart-Scott

Will the right hon. Gentleman give some indication when the promised Bill to amend the National Health Services Act is likely to be introduced, as it was promised last Session and no mention was made of it in the King's Speech?

Mr. Morrison

That Bill is under consideration. I cannot say when it will be forthcoming, but it will not be this side of Christmas. The hon. and gallant Member can be assured that it is not overlooked. I have every anticipation that it will be produced this Session.