HC Deb 23 February 1956 vol 549 cc571-4
Mr. Gaitskell

May I ask the Lord Privy Seal whether he will be kind enough to state the business for next week?

The Lord Privy Seal (Mr. R. A. Butler)

Yes, Sir. The business for next week will be as follows:

MONDAY, 27TH FEBRUARY—Supply [3rd Allotted Day]: Report stage of the Civil Vote on Account.

Debate on Foreign Affairs.

TUESDAY, 28TH FEBRUARY, and WEDNESDAY, 29TH FEBRUARY—A debate will take place on Defence, on a Motion to approve the White Paper.

The Government consider that it will meet the general wishes of the House if two days are allocated for this debate.

THURSDAY, 1ST MARCH—Supply [4th Allotted Day]: It is proposed to move Mr. Speaker out of the Chair on the Army Estimates, 1956–57, and to consider Vote A in Committee.

FRIDAY, 2ND MARCH—Consideration of Private Members' Bills.

I should like to say a word about the Service Estimates. In dealing with the Service Estimates we propose with the agreement of the Opposition to follow the arrangements made last year. On the three occasions when Mr. Speaker is moved out of the Chair on the Army, Air and Navy Estimates, Vote A only will be taken. It is, therefore, hoped that the necessary business will be obtained at a reasonable hour on each of these occasions in view of the fact that the Committee stage of the Money Votes required for the Services will be put down on another allotted Supply day. If necessary, of course, discussion on the Service Votes can be continued on the Report stage.

Mr. Gaitskell

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the arrangements for the discussion of the Service Estimates accord with those which were adopted last year, and which worked reasonably well, and are, therefore, satisfactory to the Opposition? May I ask him when the Colonial Secretary will be making a statement on Cyprus?

Mr. Butler

In answer to the right hon. Gentleman's first point, that is why referred to agreement with the Opposition. We are all agreed that last year's working was an improvement on previous practice, and that is why we are adopting it this year. I cannot give any date for a statement by the Colonial Secretary on Cyprus, but I will note the interest of the right hon. Gentleman in this matter, which, of course, is one of supreme importance.

Mr. J. Griffiths

As the House has shown a great deal of restraint about Cyprus, and we are getting anxious because the negotiations are dragging on, will the Prime Minister have consultations with the Colonial Secretary so that we might have a statement from him early next week?

Mr. Butler

Yes, Sir. The Prime Minister and the Government are fully aware of the restraint that has been shown by the House. We realise that the House wants to know what is happening and what is likely to happen. It is only because we think that we must choose the right moment for a statement that we ourselves have shown restraint in not making one up to date, but we will take the House into our confidence at the earliest moment we consider to be desirable.

Captain Duncan

May I ask my right hon. Friend what form the debate will take on Monday? Will it be on the Adjournment Motion or on a Motion which will be tabled by the Government?

Mr. Butler

It is on the Report stage of the Civil Vote on Account, which I mentioned in announcing the business.

Mr. Griffiths

Does the Lord Privy Seal realise that we shall feel obliged, having shown so much restraint, to press the Government for a statement on Cyprus early next week?

Mr. Butler

Well, Sir, a statement depends on the stage of the negotiations, which are being conducted with great skill by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies. We shall, of course, understand if the Opposition wish to press for further information, but I hope that they will understand also the position in which we are as a Government in dealing with this matter.

Mr. Daines

Can I have an assurance from the Leader of the House that if there is to be a change in Government policy it should be announced by a Minister responsible to this House and not by a senior civil servant, as was the case yesterday in regard to the Permanent Under-Secretary to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government?

Mr. Butler

I am, strangely enough, well-informed as to the source of the hon. Gentleman's anxiety, and I will discuss this matter with my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister with a view to the House being satisfied in that matter.

Mr. Peart

Will there be a statement next week on technical education, and if so, will there be a White Paper?

Mr. Butler

Yes, I think it is likely that a White Paper will be published next week. The exact day has not yet been decided owing to printing difficulties, but I hope that there will be a statement and a White Paper on technical education next week.