HC Deb 05 February 1952 vol 495 cc778-80
14. Mr. Thomas Steele

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will put down a motion under Standing Order No. 60 proposing that the Housing (Temporary Prohibition of Sale of Small Houses) (Scotland) Bill be remitted to the Scottish Grand Committee for debate on the principle.

Commander Galbraith

The Government do not accept the principles contained in the Bill and do not propose to give it facilities.

Mr. Steele

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that when the Leader of the House answered a previous Question on this matter he suggested that by this method one might jump the queue, and is that the hon. and gallant Gentleman's opinion as well? Is he also aware that the Labour Government introduced the facility to allow purely Scottish business to be dealt with, and is it the case that even after the appointment of extra Scottish Ministers the Government are not going to use the facilities of this House to have Scottish business dealt with?

Commander Galbraith

The answer to the first question is, "Yes, Sir," and to the second, that the late Government laid it down that Bills so considered should not be contentious. This could not be said to be non-contentious.

Mr. A. Woodburn

Does the Minister not agree that it would be an advantage if the House had an opportunity of discussing the principles in this Bill? It would still be open to the Government to advise the House to reject it, but it seems that the Government in this case are refusing a Private Member the use of the facilities that have been established by the House.

Commander Galbraith

No Sir, this Government are giving Private Members the same facilities as always existed for all business.

Lieut.-Colonel Walter Elliot

Will the Minister bear in mind the repeated refusal of the late Government to allow a Private Member's Bill concerning Scottish gas undertakings to go to the Scottish Grand Committee, although it was repeatedly suggested that this permission should be given?

Mr. A. C. Manuel

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware of the keen desire among people in Scotland to have this Bill debated so as to ensure that the present position in Scotland is known to the Government and some action can be taken with regard to houses that are at present standing empty during this time of scarcity?

Commander Galbraith

The hon. Member will be aware that we have already had the matter under discussion on the Adjournment, when the views of the Government were plainly stated.

Mr. Steele

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.