HC Deb 25 June 1953 vol 516 cc2099-102
Mr. Attlee

May I ask the Lord Privy Seal to state the business for next week?

Mr. Crookshank

The business for next week will be as follows:

MONDAY, 29TH JUNE—Supply [16th Allotted Day]: —Committee.

Debate on labour attaches abroad until about seven o'clock.

Afterwards a debate on the work of the Raw Cotton Commission.

TUESDAY, 30TH JUNE—Second Reading: New Towns Bills, and Committee stage, Money Resolution which, I hope, we may conclude by six o'Clock, or earlier if may be.

Motions to approve: Transfer of Functions (Ministry of Pensions) Order; Transfer of Functions (Ministry of Civil Aviation) Order; Draft Coastal Flooding (Acreage Payments) Scheme.

WEDNESDAY, 1ST JULY—Supply [17th Allotted Day]: Committee.

Debate on Education, with particular reference to the Report from the Estimates Committee on Schools.

Committee and remaining stages of the Army and Air Force (Annual) Bill.

THURSDAY, 2ND JULY—Supply [18th Allotted Day]: Committee.

Debate on agriculture and food production in the United Kingdom.

FRIDAY, 3RD JULY—Second Readings:

Marshall Aid Commemoration Bill.

Historic Buildings and Ancient Manuments Bill.

Committee stage, Money Resolutions.

Second Reading of consolidation Measures:

Post Office Bill [Lords].

Registration Service Bill [Lords].

Mr. Simmons

Does the Leader of the House think it is playing the game with ex-Service men to relegate the pensions Order to a very small portion of time on Tuesday? Will he consider giving time to discussing the White Paper, to hearing comments on it, and then withdrawing the Order until he has had time to consider incorporating suggestions from the ex-Service communities into the Order itself?

Mr. Crookshank

The hon. Gentleman asked me some questions about this matter the other day. I said I would see that it did not come on late at night, and I have met him to that extent; because the first Order, the Second Reading of the New Towns Bill, is not, I understand, expected to take a great period of time. We may come on to the Order even earlier than 6 o'clock, which would give plenty of opportunity for hon. Members to raise points. I do not think that at this stage we can possibly envisage having a debate on the White Paper and another one on the Order.

Mr. Hamilton

Will the Leader of the House give an assurance that during the education debate on Wednesday one of the Government Front Bench speakers will be from the Scottish Office, in view of the fact that the revelations of the Committee are just as scandalous and shocking so far as Scottish education is concerned as those relating to England and Wales?

Mr. Crookshank

Of course, I cannot accept all these adjectives, which have nothing to do with the question of business. If Scottish Votes are put down the Scottish Minister will be in attendance, and even if they are not, arrangements may be made for a Scottish Minister to be present. But it would be breaking with precedent if he spoke during an English debate. I am sure that will be appreciated by hon. Members and therefore, if Scotland is to come in, Scottish Votes must be put down.

Mr. Powell

Has my right hon. Friend considered the possibility of having time for a debate on the coal industry, with special reference to the Report of the National Coal Board?

Mr. Crookshank

My hon. Friend did raise that point two or three weeks ago, and I said it was a matter we should have to consider in due course. It should be recognised that at this time of the year the amount of time at the Government's disposal is comparatively small, and the amount at the disposal of the Opposition is large.

Mr. Ernest Davies

Is the right hon. Gentleman proposing to provide time for a debate on the excellent Report of the British Transport Commission?

Mr. Crookshank

As I have said, the amount of time which the Government can provide is extremely limited at this period of the year. But in due course, no doubt, there will be a debate on the reports of the nationalised boards.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Will the Government provide time for discussing the reports of the nationalised boards before the Summer Recess or after?

Mr. Crookshank

I cannot answer that, because it depends on how we get on with other business which must be dealt with before the Summer Recess.

Sir H. Williams

Would it be in order to congratulate the Leader of the Opposition on the fact that for the first time for months he has asked the business Question before about 4.15 p.m.?

Mr. Gordon Walker

When may we expect a Government statement about television, and when are we likely to have a debate on that subject?

Mr. Crookshank

I could not say about the latter, but as regards the former I hope it will be fairly soon.

Mr. A. Henderson

In view of the coming absence of the Prime Minister, may I ask which Minister will answer Questions on foreign affairs which up to date have been addressed to the Prime Minister?

Mr. Crookshank

Not today, but an announcement will be made before the Prime Minister leaves.

Mr. P. Morris

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the disappointment felt by Welsh Members that business next week does not include a debate on the Report of the Council for Wales? Will he inquire of his right hon. Friend the Minister for Welsh Affairs if that Report is available and whether we may discuss it before adjourning for the Summer Recess.

Mr. Crookshank

It is not available and so we cannot discuss it. It is not due to be published for some time.