HC Deb 18 October 1950 vol 478 cc2051-2
Mr. Eden

May I ask the Leader of the House if he has any further statement to make about tomorrow's Business?

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

As the House is aware, we propose tomorrow, at the beginning of Business, to deal with the case of the hon. Member who sits for Belfast, West (Rev. J. G. MacManaway), and we hope that it will be generally agreeable to conclude this first stage by 5.30 p.m.

We shall then go on to take the Committee and remaining stages of the five consolidation Measures and afterwards there will be a Debate on the Annual Report of the Colonial Development Corporation.

Mr. Eden

I am much obliged to the right hon. Gentleman. I think the Opposition will be agreeable to concluding the first stage by 5.30 p.m. as we want as much time as possible to be devoted to the important Report later in the day. As the time for consideration of that Report is curtailed, would the right hon. Gentleman consider whether we might sit an hour later tomorrow?

Mr. Morrison

I will look into that.

Mr. Leslie Hale

On what basis will the discussion proceed tomorrow? Will there be a Motion which may result in a vote? What are the terms of discussion?

Mr. Morrison

What the Government will propose that we do is, in effect, to declare the seat vacant. The issuing of a Writ will be a subsequent business which will come about in the ordinary way.

Sir I. Fraser

Will there be a Government Motion?

Mr. Morrison

Yes, certainly, Sir.