§ 11.23 p.m.
§ The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. R. A. Butler)I will, with permission, make a short business statement.
At the request of the Opposition this afternoon I undertook to consider deferring consideration of the Ways and Means Resolution which is down to be reported to the House tonight. Discussions have taken place through the usual channels and agreement has been reached to defer the Report stage until Monday next, on the basis that the Second Reading of the National Health Service Contributions Bill will nevertheless be taken on Wednesday as already announced.
§ Mr. Hugh Gaitskell (Leeds, South)I am sure that the House will welcome the right hon. Gentleman's statement. We are obliged to him. I do not want to take up the time of the House, but of course the Second Reading of the National Health Service Contributions Bill can only be taken on Wednesday next on the assumption that the Money Resolution is through its Committee and Report stages.