HC Deb 05 February 1953 vol 510 cc2032-4
Mr. Morrison

Would the Leader of the House be good enough to state the business which the Government propose for next week?

The Lord Privy Seal (Mr. Harry Crookshank)

Yes, Sir, but before announcing next week's business perhaps I may refer to the arrangements for today. Following conversations through the usual channels, it is proposed that the Supply business should be taken formally and that the Adjournment should then be moved for the debate on the Far Eastern situation.

The business for next week will be as follows:

MONDAY, 9TH FEBRUARY, AND TUESDAY, 10TH FEBRUARY—Report stage:

Transport Bill. [2nd and 3rd allotted Days.]

WEDNESDAY, 11TH FEBRUARY, AND THURSDAY, 12TH FEBRUARY—Committee stage:

Iron and Steel Bill.

FRIDAY, 13TH FEBRUARY—Private Members' Bills.

Mr. Morrison

Will the right hon. Gentleman take note—with a view to discussions through the usual channels—that we should like an early opportunity, possibly for half a day, to discuss the question of the supply of jet aircraft to Egypt and other countries in the Middle East?

Mr. Crookshank

I will take note of that. The right hon. Gentleman will realise that notice has already been given by one of his hon. Friends that it will be raised on the Adjournment.

Mr. Shinwell

Do the Government propose to do anything constructive next week?

Mr. Crookshank

Yes, Sir. We propose to conclude the Report stage of the Transport Bill and to make further progress with the Iron and Steel Bill.

Mr. Shinwell

Is the right hon. Gentleman seriously asking us to believe that the denationalisation of either road transport or of iron and steel is a constructive proposal?

Mr. Pannell

May I ask the Leader of the House whether the usual channels might consider, without party preoccupation, the question of giving an early day for the Ministers responsible to report on the present emergency—the flood emergency—so that hon. Members from the constituencies concerned can generally discuss this matter from a short or long-term point of view, rather than have a pitched electoral battle across the Floor of the House?

Mr. Crookshank

These are early days to be discussing that question; but no doubt the right hon. Member for Lewisham, South (Mr. H. Morrison) will have noted what his hon. Friend has said and, if he thinks it necessary, will approach me.

Mr. Morrison

For the comfort of my hon. Friend, I would add that I have taken notice of what he has said.

Mr. H. Hynd

When will the House have an opportunity of discussing the Distribution of Industrial Development Areas Order, 1953?

Mr. Crookshank

I cannot say.

Mr. Mellish

Would not the Leader of the House agree that it would be better, instead of having all this rubbish next week, to have a discussion on the fall of industrial output?

Mr. Healy

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the Government intend to introduce the Royal Titles Bill and whether he will introduce a White Paper?

Mr. Crookshank

I cannot say when that Bill will be before Parliament. I will make a note of the hon. Gentleman's point about a possible White Paper.

Sir R. Acland

Could the right hon. Gentleman say what are the Government's intentions about a fairly early debate on Central African Federation, in connection with which, we understand, we shall shortly be reading the reports on the recent conference?

Mr. Crookshank

I think the hon. Gentleman should wait to hear from his right hon. Friend what the views of his party may be; but these White Papers were only published 40 minutes ago, I believe. I think it is probable that hon. Members would like to study them a little before there is any question of a debate.