HC Deb 20 February 1958 vol 582 cc1397-9
Mr. Gaitskell

May I ask the Prime Minister whether he will state the business for next week?

The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Macmillan)

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

MONDAY, 24TH FEBRUARY—Supply [4th Allotted Day]: Committee.

Civil Estimates and Estimates for Revenue Departments, Vote on Account, 1958–59, which it is proposed to take formally.

There will then be a debate on Unemployment in certain localities, which will arise on an Oppositin Motion.

TUESDAY, 25TH FEBRUARY—Committee stage of the Ways and Means Resolution relating to the National Health Service contributions, which it is hoped to obtain by about 7 o'clock.

At 7 o'clock, opposed Private Business has been set down for consideration by the Chairman of Ways and Means.

WEDNESDAY, 26TH FEBRUARY—Debate on Defence, which will take place on a Motion inviting the House to approve the White Paper.

THURSDAY, 27TH FEBRUARY—Conclusion of the debate on Defence.

Report stage of the Ways and Means Resolution relating to National Health Service contributions, when the necessary Bill will be brought in.

FRIDAY, 28TH FEBRUARY—Consideration of private Members' Motions.

Mr. Oram

Has the Prime Minister anything to say about implementing the decision of the House on 31st January to set up a Select Committee on Procedure?

The Prime Minister

I am informed that it is hoped to put a Motion on the Order Paper early next week.

Mr. Frank Allaun

Has the Prime Minister's attention been drawn to a Motion in the name of Lancashire Members condemning the sending of police dogs to a trade union meeting? As it is believed that this is the beginning of an experiment in the use of these dogs to control public meetings, which was regrettably repeated in London this week—and which, for a progressive Home Secretary, is a very provocative action—will the Prime Minister grant time for a debate on the matter?

[That this House deplores the sending of police dogs, plain clothes dog handlers and uniformed police to a meeting of 200 Manchester and Salford trade unionists and their officials at Carrington on 4th February; believes such provocative action likely to cause industrial unrest; and urges that such measures should be discontinued in future.]

The Prime Minister

I do not think that it would be possible to ask the House to give time to debate this Motion, but I have no doubt that the hon. Member will pursue the subject, if he so wishes, with my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary.

Mr. Woodburn

Has the Prime Minister decided on the terms of reference of the Select Committee on Procedure? Will they be limited in any way, or will they be fairly extensive?

The Prime Minister

We hope, as I have said, to put down the Motion next week. I think that the intention is to have wide terms of reference.

Mr. Royle

May I be permitted to support the appeal of my hon. Friend the Member for Salford, East (Mr. Frank Allaun) concerning the use of police dogs and the opportunity to discuss the matter in the House? This would appear to be a completely new method of police activity. While we all understand the necessity for the use from time to time of mounted police, there is the hidden suggestion that these dogs might be used to attack people who are taking part in public demonstrations. Cannot my hon. Friend's request be reconsidered?

The Prime Minister

The giving of time to the Motion is not necessarily the only way in which the matter could be raised. It could be raised on the Adjournment. In any event, I am quite certain that my right hon. Friend would be willing to discuss the whole situation with Members who feel strongly about the matter.

Mr. Gordon Walker

In the circumstances, would it not be best for the Home Secretary to take an early opportunity of making a statement, so that we could get the facts of this important matter clear?

The Prime Minister

I have no doubt that if a Question were put down, my right hon Friend would be very happy to answer it.

Mr. Rankin

In view of the fact that the proposal to set up the Select Committee on Procedure originated from a back bencher's Motion, will the Prime Minister think about appointing a back bencher to the Select Committee?

The Prime Minister

I hope that when the Motion is put down, it will be found satisfactory both as to the character of the membership and terms of reference.

Mr. Lipton

With a view to reducing the number of frustrated back benchers, will the Prime Minister consider an extension of half an hour or an hour for the defence debate on Wednesday night?

The Prime Minister

I would have thought that the House would regard two days as suitable for this debate.