HC Deb 24 April 1958 vol 586 cc1158-60
Mr. Gaitskell

May I ask the Leader of the House to state the business for next week?

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

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

MONDAY, 28TH APRIL—Supply [12th Allotted Day].

It is proposed to move Mr. Speaker out of the Chair on Civil Estimates, 1958–59.

The House will recall that as a result of the Ballot notice was given of subjects for debate relating to the powers of chief constables, Commonwealth economic affairs, and the Health Service.

TUESDAY, 29TH APRIL—Conclusion of the Report stage and Third Reading of the Slaughterhouses Bill, which it is hoped to obtain by a reasonable hour.

Afterwards, we shall take the Report and Third Reading of the Land Powers (Defence) Bill; and consideration of the Lords Amendments to the Milford Haven Conservancy Bill.

WEDNESDAY, 30TH APRIL—Second Reading of the Distribution of Industry (Industrial Finance) Bill.

Committee stage of the necessary Money Resolution.

If there is time, Report and Third Reading of the Defence Contracts Bill; and the Park Lane Improvement Bill.

THURSDAY, 1ST MAY—Supply [13th Allotted Day]: Committee.

Debate on the Present Position in Regard to the Building of Houses by Local Authorities, until 7 o'clock.

Afterwards, debate on the Supply of Poliomyelitis Vaccine.

FRIDAY, 2ND MAY—Consideration Of Private Members' Bills.

Mr. Gaitskell

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that although we decided, reluctantly, not to use our Supply time this week for a debate on Cyprus, we shall certainly wish to have a debate, at any rate, before the Whitsun Recess? Is he further aware that as the first subject on Thursday is to be debated only for half a day, we propose to confine the debate to council house building in England and Wales?

Mr. Butler

I shall be glad to take note of the two points that the right hon. Gentleman has raised. We are obliged to the Opposition for their understanding on Cyprus. I have taken note of the right hon. Gentleman's request that there should be a debate on this matter before Whitsun.

Mr. Peyton

My right hon. Friend may not be aware that I was unsuccessful in my attempt to act on his advice to raise the question of shipping during the Budget debates. May I ask him to give further consideration to the question whether the Government can find a short time in which to discuss this most vital industry, which, as he knows, is facing very great problems?

Mr. Butler

I appreciate the interest of my hon. Friend and of many other hon. Members in this matter. I cannot, in the present state of getting legislation through, give an undertaking for any particular date. Having heard of my hon. Friend's misfortune I hesitate to say that there will be opportunities for him during the debates on the Finance Bill, but can only say that, of course, it would be possible to raise such a matter in any financial discussion. I will, however, continue to give the matter my attention.

Mr. H. Wilson

Will the Lord Privy Seal give an assurance that if his right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, after the reconsideration that he said he was to give to the question of dividend stripping, decides to alter his Budget proposal, he will make a statement to the House before the Finance Bill is introduced—[HON. MEMBERS: "Why?"] Because it is in accordance with precedent that changes in the announcements made at Budget time should be notified orally to the House by the Minister responsible.

Secondly, will the right hon. Gentleman tell us when we may expect a statement to be made to the House about the negotiations with Germany on support costs, in view of the fact that very full details—whether accurate or not one cannot say—seem to be appearing in the Press?

Mr. Butler

I must discuss these two matters with my right hon. Friend. He is at present in Paris for the celebration of O.E.E.C., but I will take the opportunity to discuss those matters with him.

Dame Irene Ward

Am I not right in assuming that, at some time or other, we are to have an economic debate? Would not that be an opportunity for my hon. Friend the Member for Yeovil (Mr. Peyton), and others interested in shipping, shipbuilding, and ship repairing problems to make speeches on the subject? And would not the Government then be in a position to deal not so much with the Opposition, but with what we on this side want?

Mr. Butler

There is certainly such a future occasion, and I hope that much of the time will be occupied by my hon. Friend and his hon. Friends.