HC Deb 02 March 1951 vol 484 cc2515-6
Mr. Eden

May I ask the Leader of the House if there is any change in the business for next week?

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

The Business to be taken Oil THURSDAY, 8TH MARCH, Will be Supply (6th allotted day) when it is proposed to move Mr. Speaker out of the Chair on Army Estimates, 1951–52, and to consider Votes A 1, 2, 8, 10 and 11 in Committee.

I should perhaps inform the House that it was originally intended to take the Navy Estimates on this day and that the parties had been so informed through the usual channels. Later the Government considered that it would be more convenient to postpone Navy Estimates until the week after next. The rearrangement of business has therefore been made on the suggestion of the Government.

It may be convenient for me to make a further statement in regard to the business already announced for Monday and Wednesday of next week. On MONDAY we propose to take the Report and Third Reading of the Reserve and Auxiliary Forces (Training) Bill, in view of its urgency; and to complete the Committee stage of the Overseas Resources Development Bill, and the Committee and remaining stages of the Workmen's Compensation (Supplementation) Bill. On WEDNESDAY we shall take the concluding gages of the Overseas Resources Development Bill and, if there is time, the Committee and remaining stages of the Supplies and Services (Defence Purposes) Bill.

Mr. Eden

While I appreciate that it is entirely for the Government to arrange on what day they want to take the Navy Estimates, I know that the right hon. Gentleman understands that we shall require an occasion to discuss the matter of the Supreme Naval Commander in the Atlantic, more particularly, I must say, as it seems to us that the debate in the other place yesterday did not do much to clarify the situation—perhaps rather the reverse.

Mr. Morrison

Perhaps that is owing to the nature of the institution. I say that in a most friendly spirit. I appreciate the point raised by the right hon. Gentleman. No doubt something can be arranged through the usual channels.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Can my right hon. Friend assure us that the debate on the Navy Estimates is not being postponed at the request of the Americans?