HC Deb 23 June 1965 vol 714 cc1760-1
The Lord President of the Council (Mr. Herbert Bowden)

With permission, Mr. Speaker, I should like to make a short business statement.

In the hope that the Committee need not sit unduly late at today's sitting, the Committee stage of the Finance (No. 2) Bill will be continued tomorrow.

It is hoped then to complete the Committee stage at a reasonable hour when instead of the business previously announced for Thursday, the House will be asked to deal with the remaining stages of the Overseas Development and Service Bill.

In these circumstances, the remaining stages of the Monopolies and Mergers Bill will be taken on MONDAY, 28TH. The 20th allotted Supply day will be postponed.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

Would the right hon. Gentleman say that the Supply day will be taken next week?

I think that both sides of the House will agree that the Government have taken a sensible decision in deciding not to try to force through the remaining stages of the Finance Bill at today's sitting, although in saying that I in no way mean to diminish our criticism of the Government for introducing such an over-long and over-complicated Bill.

Mr. Bowden

I do not think it unreasonable that hon. Members on both sides of the House should have one full night's sleep in three nights. That is why I have made this proposal.

It is the intention to have the Supply day one day nex week.

Mr. Shinwell

What does my right hon. Friend mean by the Committee not having to sit "unduly late"?

Mr. Bowden

In the circumstances, I should have thought that eleven o'clock would not be unreasonable.