§ 40. Mr. Henigasked the Lord President of the Council what plans he has now formulated for ensuring that parts of the Committee stage of the Finance Bill 1967 will be dealt with in Standing Committee.
§ Mr. CrossmanThe Select Committee on Procedure is considering the House's methods of dealing with the Finance Bill. I understand that it has invited a Treasury Minister to submit evidence. My hon. Friend will not expect me to anticipate the Committee's recommendation.
§ Mr. HenigCan my right hon. Friend treat this as a matter of some urgency? I believe that, in the past, the Select Committee has made certain recommendations on the subject which were neither discussed by the House nor apparently heeded.
§ Mr. CrossmanIt is not only urgent but essential to the whole question of 1310 the reorganisation of business. Nevertheless, we have to go through the procedures and this is something on which the Treasury and we must agree. But I do agree that, if this matter cannot be taken seriously, very little can be done to improve our procedure.