HC Deb 08 November 1956 vol 560 cc255-7
Mr. Gaitskell

May I ask the Lord Privy Seal whether he will announce the business for next week?

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

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

The debate on the Address in reply to the Gracious Speech will be continued on Monday, 12th November, and brought to a conclusion on Tuesday, 13th November.

It would be convenient, Mr. Speaker, if you would be good enough to indicate to the House which Amendment or Amendments you propose to call and the days upon which they will be taken.

WEDNESDAY, 14TH NOVEMBER—Second Reading of the Police, Fire and Probation Officers Remuneration Bill; and of the Expiring Laws Continuance Bill, and Committee stage of the necessary Money Resolutions.

Consideration of Motions to approve the Import Duties (Geneva Agreement) Order; the Silk Duties (No. 2) Order; and the Additional Import Duties (No. 3) Order relating to Kentia Palms.

THURSDAY, 15TH NOVEMBER—Second Reading of the Homicide Bill.

FRIDAY, 16TH NOVEMBER—Second Reading of the Agriculture (Silo Subsidies) Bill, and Committee stage of the necessary Money Resolution.

Committee and remaining stages of the Police, Fire and Probation Officers Remuneration Bill.

Mr. Gaitskell

Can the Lord Privy Seal advise us on the statements which will be made by the Government about the international situation? He will recall that yesterday the Prime Minister said that he was unable to make a statement then, but hoped to be able to do so later. I understand that he will not be able to make a statement immediately this afternoon. May we expect one a little later? Will the Lord Privy Seal bear in mind the desirability of either the Prime Minister or the Foreign Secretary coming to the House, in this tense international situation, and giving us the latest possible information every day?

Mr. Butler

Nobody can complain about the Prime Minister, or, indeed, the Foreign Secretary, because they have been here every day, and, in fact, have debated the subject every day, except Sunday, and, no doubt, will desire to serve the House to the best of their ability. The Minister of Defence hopes to make a statement immediately, and that will cover his sector of the operations.

I cannot give an absolute undertaking that the Prime Minister will make a statement, because it will depend on whether he has anything to tell the House, but I think it probable that he will make a statement later. This being the debate on the Address, he will, of course, be able to intervene in the ordinary way during the course of the debate. I will endeavour to let it be known in the House if he is to make a statement and what time it will be; I will certainly let the Opposition know through the usual channels. That is the position today, and I think that that is the answer to the right hon. Gentleman.

Mr. Speaker

It might be convenient if I responded now to the request of the Leader of the House about the Amendments to the Address. Of those on the Order Paper, I have selected both Amendments in the name of the right hon. Gentleman the Leader of the Opposition and other right hon. Gentlemen. I understand that the first of these is to be debated today and the second on Monday.