HC Deb 31 May 1951 vol 488 cc410-2
Mr. Eden

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

Mr. Ede

Yes, Sir. The business will be as follows:

MONDAY, 4TH JUNE—Second Reading of the Telegraph Bill.

Further progress will be made with the Coal Industry Bill and completion of the Report stage and Third Reading of the Rivers (Prevention of Pollution) Bill, if not already completed.

TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY and THURSDAY, 5TH, 6TH and 7TH JUNE—Committee stage of the Finance Bill.

FRIDAY, 8TH JUNE—Consideration of Private Members' Bills.

Mr. Eden

The Leader of the House will remember that the Foreign Secretary told us he would keep us informed about the Persian situation. I wonder if he can say when we may expect another statement, in view of the fact that the situation is clearly one of continuing gravity?

Mr. Ede

I am obliged to the right hon. Gentleman for having given me verbal notice that he proposed to put this question. I tried to get in touch with the Foreign Secretary to see if I could give the right hon. Gentleman a definite answer, but I have been unable to do so. However, I am quite sure that my right hon. Friend intends to stand by the pledge he gave the House and I will let him know that the right hon. Gentleman is concerned about getting an early statement.

Mr. Churchill

Can the Leader of the House give us any idea when the Government will be able to make a further statement on the subject of the Atlantic and Mediterranean Commands?

Mr. Ede

I was rather more fortunate with regard to that. I did manage to get the Minister of Defence here. He informed me that the matter is still under negotiation and that as soon as those negotiations are completed a statement will be made.

Mr. Churchill

Yes, but I was asking whether the answer could have some relation to the time factor. How much longer are we to wait?

Mr. Ede

My right hon. Friend assures me he is doing his best to get a decision, but, so far, has not been successful.

Mrs. Middleton

In view of the fact that certain recommendations of the Zachary Cope Report on auxiliary medical services are being stabilised by legislation passed before the House has had a chance of considering the Report, will my right hon. Friend make provision for the consideration of that Report at an early date?

Mr. Ede

I will consider that in conjunction with the Minister concerned and with the hon. Members interested.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is on the Order Paper a Motion calling attention to the need to secure a cease fire in Korea and also dealing with our relations with China? In view of the great importance of the question of Korea and China will he give serious attention to allotting time to the discussion of that Motion?

[That this House approves of the recent statement of the Secretary of State for War stressing the dangers to world peace and the futility of extending the Korean war to China and resulting bombardment and bombing of the Chinese cities and the slaughter of millions of their inhabitants; declares that the time has come to end the war in Korea and that His Majesty's Government should take further immediate steps to initiate negotiations for a cease fire, for the withdrawal of foreign armies, and for measures of relief and reconstruction to repair the destruction and ravages of war and to alleviate the sufferings of the Korean people.]

Mr. Ede

That is a matter which possibly could be discussed on a Supply Day.

Mr. Osborne

In view of the great anxiety in the country about the ever-increasing cost of living, will the right hon. Gentleman find time for a debate on the problem of wages, dividends and general prices?

Mr. Ede

Again, I should have thought that that was a matter which might come on in the ordinary course of business.