§ The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Mr. Iain Macleod)Last Thursday I undertook to reconsider the arrangements for the Committee stage of the Commonwealth Immigrants Bill.
In doing this, I have had to bear in mind the frequently expressed anxiety 34 of many hon. Members that the House should find opportunities for more general debates, and in this respect due regard must be had to the views of the Select Committee on Procedure, that if the House wishes seriously to provide time for other purposes, Bills must be committed to Standing Committees.
On the other hand, I felt bound, as Leader of the House, to take account of the representations on this particular Bill which have been made strongly to me from both sides of the House.
Having thought carefully about these conflicting considerations, I am now able to tell the House that I have decided to propose that the Committee stage of this Bill should be taken on the Floor of the House.
§ Mr. GaitskellI am very much obliged to the right hon. Gentleman for that statement.
§ Dame Irene WardWhile thanking my right hon. Friend very much for that decision, which, I think, will be acceptable to both sides of the House, may I ask him why, if he has days to spare, we cannot have a debate on shipping and ship building?
§ Mr. SpeakerWe cannot, on this business statement, discuss a large number of topics.