HC Deb 04 February 1957 vol 564 cc26-8
45. Mr. Lipton

asked the Prime Minister whether the speech of the Minister of Housing and Local Government in North Kensington last Monday represents the policy of Her Majesty's Government.

The Secretary of State for the Home Department and Lord Privy Seal (Mr. R. A. Butler)

I have been asked to reply.

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Lipton

Is the Lord Privy Seal aware that the speech indicated a Government decision on the horrible Rent Bill? Why cannot we be told what that decision is—or are we to wait until the night before the poll at Lewisham, North?

Mr. Butler

I do not think that the speech was quite so simple as that. It developed the problems deriving from the Rent Bill in a signally interesting manner, and it is one to which I would refer the hon. Member. I do not see any objection to the speech, which represents the general attitude of Her Majesty's Government to the Bill which we shall have ample opportunities for debating.

46. Mr. Lewis

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the growing practice of Ministers announcing the Government's intentions on legislation outside the House of Commons; and whether he will issue the necessary instructions that Ministers should, where practicable, make such announcements in the House of Commons.

Mr. R. A. Butler

I have been asked to reply.

My right hon. Friend does not consider that any further instructions are necessary.

Mr. Lewis

Does not the Leader of the House think that it is very bad for the dignity of this place, this honourable House, for Ministers to make statements on Government policy outside the House and, as happened during the Suez crisis and the passage of the present Rent Bill, to give information to the 1922 Committee and refuse to give it to this House? Why should the 1922 Committee be given private information because it threatens to revolt while hon. Members here who are really fighting for the people cannot get that information?

Mr. Butler

The hon. Member may be well satisfied that we have plenty of opportunities in this House of hearing the views of Ministers. If Ministers express their views outside we must also remember that this is a free country.