HC Deb 30 July 1958 vol 592 cc1359-61
The Secretary of State for the Home Department and Lord Privy Seal (Mr. R. A. Butler)

It is proposed to meet again after the Summer Recess on Thursday, 23rd October, at 11 o'clock for Prorogation. It is expected that the new Session will be opened on Tuesday, 28th October. I would remind the House that powers already exist for Mr. Speaker, upon representations being made by the Government, to call the House together at an earlier date if such a course should be necessary in the public interest.

Mr. Gaitskell

As the Motion for the Adjournment for the Summer Recess is to be moved tomorrow, and is debatable, I do not propose to ask the right hon. Gentleman any questions today.

Mr. C. R. Hobson

May I ask the Leader of the House whether he proposes to make a statement about the televising of the State opening of Parliament, and, if so, whether the House will have an opportunity to discuss the constitutional issues involved?

Mr. Butler

As I said yesterday, my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister hopes to make a statement before the House rises. I hope that it will be made tomorrow.

Mr. Grimond

May we take it that if there are substantial representations to the Government from hon. Members for a recall, they will consider it seriously and take the appropriate action with Mr. Speaker?

Mr. Butler

Power exists under Standing Order No. 112 and the discretion is left to the Administration of the day, who listen to the representations made to them by hon. Members. That has always been the practice. I can only give a further undertaking that that practice will be followed in the right spirit on this occasion.

Mr. Peart

If the Government make a statement tomorrow about the State opening of Parliament, and there is a decision, will the Government seek the approval of Parliament?

Mr. Butler

I think that we had better await the statement of the Prime Minister on the matter.

Mr. Mason

Will Question Time be allowed on 23rd October?

Mr. Butler

No, Sir.

Mr. Hale

In view of the fact that the situation is deteriorating in Cyprus, in Kenya, in the Middle East, and in Lancashire, would not it be possible for the right hon. Gentleman to have some consultation with Mr. Foster Dulles on whether the British Parliament could continue to sit during August?

Mr. Butler

The British Parliament is accustomed to making its own decisions. As for the situation so graphically described by the hon. Member, we notice a marked amelioration in the last-named district to which he referred and all other parts of the British Isles.