HC Deb 12 December 1952 vol 509 cc926-7

4.0 p.m.

The Lord Privy Seal (Mr. Harry Crookshank)

May I make a statement on the business for next week? I apologise for taking half a minute of the time for the Adjournment debate.

It has now been found possible to postpone the Debate on the Purchase Tax Order relating to the application of a D Scheme to furniture, which was to have been taken on Tuesday night. We shall, however, ask the House to consider the other Orders announced for that night, namely, the Draft Clothing Industry Development Council (Dissolution) Order and the two Orders relating to the lace furnishings industry.

The Motion relating to the Draft Apples and Pears Marketing Scheme, announced for Wednesday, will also be postponed, but we propose to proceed with the Motions relating to the Agriculture (Maximum Area of Pasture) Extension of Period Orders.

Although the Government would have wished to proceed with this business, it is hoped that the re-arrangement will be to the general convenience of the House. I shall, of course, make the usual business statement next week, but I should say now that the Purchase Tax Order and the Draft Apples and Pears Marketing Scheme will be taken immediately after the House resumes in January.

Mr. Attlee

I am obliged to the right hon. Gentleman for these alterations, which, I think, will provide a much better opportunity for discussing matters which are of importance to everyone in the House.

Mr. Crookshank

I hope that they will be a nice Christmas present for everybody concerned.