HC Deb 16 September 1948 vol 456 cc229-30
Mr. Eden

May I ask the Leader of the House if he has any information about the Business for next week?

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

Yes, Sir.

The Business for next week will be as follows:

Monday, 20th September—Second Reading of the Parliament Bill, which is being presented today.

Tuesday, 21st September—Consideration of a Procedure Motion to formalise the Committee stage of the Parliament Bill following the precedents of 1913 and 1914;

Committee stage and Third Reading of the Parliament Bill.

Wednesday, 22nd September—Debate on Foreign Affairs on the Motion for the Adjournment of the House.

Thursday, 23rd September—Debate on Defence on the Motion for the Adjournment of the House.

The Government hope that the necessary Business can be completed by Friday, 24th September, when the Adjournment will be proposed until Monday, 25th October.

It is expected that Prorogation will take place on that day and that a new Session will be opened on Tuesday, 26th October.

Mr. Eden

The right hon. Gentleman knows that there is widespread concern about the Malayan situation. Could we be assured that a full statement will be made on the situation before the House rises, so that we may have the latest information before we disperse?

Mr. Morrison

I understand that Questions are on the Order Paper for Wednesday, and that it would be right then that my right hon. Friend the Colonial Secretary should make a statement on the Malayan situation.

Mr. Eden

There is one other question arising out of Business. The right hon. Gentleman may remember that we had hoped to have a considerable Debate on the coal nationalisation report this Session but owing to re-arrangement of Business it cannot be fitted in, unless, of course, we sit another week. I wonder, therefore, whether the right hon. Gentleman would bear that in mind against the re-assembly in the Autumn?

Mr. Morrison

Certainly. We perhaps could arrange this during the Debate on the Address or otherwise, but we would be willing to consider the matter.