§ The Lord President of the Council (Mr. Herbert Bowden)With permission, Mr. Speaker, I should like to make a short statement to give the business to come before the House tomorrow, Thursday, 3rd March.
Supply [9th Allotted Day]: Committee, when, if the House agrees, the Questions will be put forthwith.
There will then be the following debates on a Motion for the Adjournment of the House: until about seven o'clock on Broadcasting Policy, thereafter on Technical Education.
§ Mr. BostonMay I ask my right hon. Friend whether the debate on broadcasting will cover all aspects of broadcasting, and whether it will also be in order to raise the question of broadcasting coverage during the election period?
§ Mr. BowdenThe debate tomorrow will be on broadcasting policy. As far as my right hon. Friend the Postmaster-General has any responsibility for that field, questions will be in order.
§ Sir Ian Orr-EwingWill the Postmaster-General start the debate by making a statement on Government policy? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that we have been left in the dark on this for a very long time? Obviously, it would help the debate if we could know where the Government stand.
§ Mr. BowdenThe debate has been arranged at the request of the Opposition 1301 and I should have thought that it would be for the convenience of the House if my right hon. Friend wound it up.
§ Mr. A. RoyleDo the Government intend to publish the White Paper on the future of broadcasting before polling day?
§ Mr. BowdenNo, Sir. I should have though: it undesirable to publish papers of that sort during the twilight period.
Mr. Edward M. TaylorCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is expected to publish tomorrow the Geddes Report on shipbuilding? Does he recall that it was supposed to be ready by the end of last month? Is it ready? If so, when can we expect it?
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. Hon. Members can ask questions only on tomorrow's business. This is not an ordinary business question session.