HC Deb 24 April 1967 vol 745 cc1152-3
47. Mr. Blaker

asked the Lord President of the Council on what principle Her Majesty's Government acts when deciding to provide Government time for second reading debates on Private Members' Bills.

Mr. Crossman

The considerations include the state of the Government's own programme; the prospects for the Bill in private Members' own time and the effect on other private Members' legislation; the amount of interest in and support for the Measure and possibly the progress the Bill has made. The Government's attitude to the Bill is also relevant.

Mr. Blaker

Does not the right hon. Gentleman feel that there is a difference between the case when a Private Members' Bill has already received the approval of the House on Second Reading and that when it has not? Should not that consideration also apply?

Mr. Crossman

Yes, certainly that is one of the considerations which apply, but it does not apply very much in the issue to which the hon. Gentleman is calling attention.

Mr. Webster

Is it not the case that the Live Hare Coursing (Abolition) Bill failed to get the right to be introduced to the House on Second Reading and that it is because of the Government's decision that it is now having priority over very much more constructive legislation?

Mr. Crossman

I would put it more accurately and fairly if I said that it failed to get the right to a Second Reading without a full discussion. What we have now given the Bill is the right to be heard and have a Second Reading debate, which is the proper thing to do with a Measure which, though it causes no party controversy, may divide one hon. Member from another across party lines.