HC Deb 05 May 1949 vol 464 cc1218-9
Mr. Eden

Could I ask the Leader of the House the Business for next week?

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

The Business for next week will be as follows:

Monday, 9th May—Third Reading of the Iron and Steel Bill.

Tuesday, 10th May—Report stage of the Licensing Bill.

Wednesday, 11th May—Second Reading of the Ireland Bill.

Thursday, 12th May—A Debate will take place on the North Atlantic Pact. The Government will table a Motion inviting the House to approve the Pact.

Friday, 13th May—Committee and remaining stages of the Consolidation of Enactments (Procedure) Bill [Lords], and of the British Film Institute Bill.

Mr. Bing

In regard to Tuesday's Business, could my right hon. Friend say whether, in view of the wide scope of the Licensing Bill and the desire of many hon. Members to deal with the evils of the tied houses system, more time ought not to be given in order to deal with this problem?

Mr. Morrison

I am afraid that we could not easily give more time on Tuesday. The tied house system would not readily be appropriate for the present Licensing Bill. However, should the House at some future date desire to discuss the matter, the request will receive consideration.

Mr. Austin

Could my right hon. Friend indicate when time will be allowed for the Debate on the Oaksey Committee Report?

Mr. Morrison

I do not know about debate, but I imagine it will be the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary to make a statement in due course about the Oaksey Committee.

Mr. Keeling

Will the Leader of the House tell us whether the Government propose to give time for a discussion of the Kitchen Committee's special report, or, alternatively, will he say what is the Government's attitude to their majority recommendation, because hon. Members on both sides of the House have found the replies of the Financial Secretary to the Treasury on this matter more than usually obscure, which is saying a lot.

Mr. Morrison

This is a matter about the domestic life of the House. Perhaps if the matter were pursued through the usual channels, that would be the best course.