HC Deb 19 April 1951 vol 486 cc2011-3
Mr. Eden

Will the Leader of the House tell us the business for next week?

The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Ede)

The business for next week will be as follows:

MONDAY, 23RD APRIL—Committee and remaining stages of the Fire Services Bill.

As it is not expected that this business will occupy any appreciable time, there will be an opportunity to move the three Opposition Prayers against the Regulations relating to the British Transport Commission's Railway Freight, Dock and Canal Charges at an early hour.

Motion to approve the Purchase Tax (No. 4) Order.

TUESDAY, 24TH APRIL—Second Reading of the National Health Service Bill and Committee stage of the necessary Money Resolution.

WEDNESDAY, 25TH APRIL—Supply (13th Allotted Day), Committee.

Debate on the White Paper on a Programme of Highland Development (Cmd. 7976).

THURSDAY, 26TH APRIL—Second Reading of the National Insurance Bill.

Consideration of Motion to approve the British Wool (Guaranteed Prices) Order.

FRIDAY, 27TH APRIL—Consideration of Private Members' Motions.

Mr. Eden

Can the Leader of the House tell us when the Festival of Britain (Additional Loans) Bill is to be taken? The right hon. Gentleman will be aware that at present the Government are spending money without Parliamentary sanction. Why could not that Bill have been taken next week instead of the Bill to deal with dentures and spectacles?

Mr. Ede

My right hon. Friend the Minister of Works is to make a statement in a few moments which will deal with the report that he promised to make to the House. Perhaps after the House has heard what he has to say, we may be able, through the usual channels, to fix an appropriate date for the Second Reading of the Bill.

Air Commodore Harvey

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell the House what are the intentions of the Government about a debate on the question of those who were British prisoners in the hands of the Japanese during the war? Will he bear in mind that, if such a debate is to be of any value, it ought to take place before Whitsun?

Mr. Ede

The right hon. Gentleman the Member for Warwick and Leamington (Mr. Eden) last week indicated that that the Opposition would arrange for a Motion on that subject to be taken on one of their Supply days. There are some conversations taking place within the Commonwealth with regard to this matter, and I do not think that a debate could usefully take place before we have reached some further stage about them. However, we shall keep in touch with the Opposition about this matter through the usual channels.

Mr. Eden

Will the right hon. Gentleman let us know when the Government consider that it will be convenient for this debate to be usefully taken? When can we put it down for a Supply day?

Mr. Ede

I have just said that we will discuss it through the usual channels.

Mr. Ellis Smith

In reference to the National Insurance Bill which is to be taken on Thursday, may I ask whether the Money Resolution has yet been prepared? If not, will my right hon. Friend consult the Patronage Secretary, the Prime Minister and the Chancellor of the Exchequer so that it may be drawn up in such terms that it will allow more democratic latitude in this House, so that we may move Amendments and not be limited by the terms of the Resolution?

Mr. Ede

I will have such consultations.

Brigadier Prior-Palmer

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any indication of what will be the action of the Government on the Report of the Royal Commission on Gambling, and can he say whether we shall have an opportunity to debate it?

Mr. Ede

The first action of the Government will be to study the Report.

Mr. Peter Freeman

Can my right hon. Friend give any indication about the length of the Whitsun Recess yet?

Mr. Ede

Not at the moment.