HC Deb 03 May 1956 vol 552 cc597-8
Mr. Gaitskell

May I ask the Lord Privy Seal 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. 7TH MAY—Supply [12th Allotted Day]; Committee, which it is proposed to take formally.

A debate will then arise on a Motion to take note of the Report of the Guillebaud Committee into the Cost of the National Health Service.

Report and Third Reading of the Licensing (Airports) Bill [Lords].

TUESDAY, 8TH MAY—It is hoped to complete the Committee stage of the Restrictive Trade Practices Bill.

WEDNESDAY, 9TH MAY—Second Reading of the Finance Bill.

THURSDAY, 10TH MAY—Second Reading of the Coal Industry Bill.

Committee stage of the necessary Money Resolution.

Report and Third Reading of the Local Government Elections Bill.

Consideration of the six Representation of the People (Parliamentary Constituencies) Orders, which are on the Order Paper.

FRIDAY, 11TH MAY—Consideration of Private Members' Bills.

It may be convenient for me to inform the House that it is proposed to adjourn for the Whitsun Recess on Friday, 18th May, and to meet again on Tuesday, 29th May.

Mr. J. Paton

Can the right hon. Gentleman say now when we shall resume proceedings on the Death Penalty (Abolition) Bill?

Mr. Butler

I cannot give an actual date, but I hope we shall have the next day upon it before Whitsun.

Mr. Mikardo

In view of the fact that current developments in automation are affecting the policies of a number of Government Departments, does not the right hon. Gentleman think that he ought to provide Government time in the very near future for a debate on this important subject?

Mr. Butler

Our time immediately before Whitsun is somewhat taken up by business to which, I think, we have to give priority. I do not underestimate the importance of automation; nor do I underestimate the possibility of the Opposition's finding time for it on a Supply Day. If we can have a debate on such a subject on a Supply Day at a later date it will be quite reasonable to do so, but I must not hold out any hope of it before Whitsun.

Mr. E. Fletcher

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell the House whether it is intended to make any progress with the Copyright Bill during the current Session?

Mr. Butler

Yes, Sir.

Mr. R. Edwards

Is there any special reason why the Government should not provide special facilities for the passage of a non-controversial Private Member's Bill entitled the Automation and Electronics Bill?

Mr. Butler

If the hon. Member has the ingenuity to produce such a Bill I should very much like to look at it.