HC Deb 14 June 1968 vol 766 cc585-6

11.4 a.m.

The Lord Privy Seal and Leader of the House of Commons (Mr. Fred Peart)

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

In view of the recommendations which the Business Committee on the Finance Bill has made, the business on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of next week has been rearranged as follows:—

TUESDAY, 18TH JUNE and WEDNESDAY, 19TH JUNE—Consideration on Recommittal of the Finance Bill.

THURSDAY, 20TH JUNE—Until 7 p.m., completion of the Recommittal stage of the Finance Bill.

Afterwards, progress on the Report stage of the Medicines Bill.

Mr. Patrick Jenkin

Will the Leader of the House accept the assurance that this announcement is indeed welcome to the Opposition? Will he convey to his right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer the view that it would be reasonable that no objection should be made—although I entirely appreciate, Mr. Speaker, that it is a matter for the Chair—to the appearance on the Notice Paper of starred Amendments on Tuesday, as there is obviously very little time now available for my right hon. and hon. Friends to table such Amendments?

Mr. Peart

I am grateful for what the hon. Member has said, and I take note of it.

Mr. Lubbock

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that arrangements made so late in the week cause inconvenience to hon. Members? If this kind of thing happens in future, will he see that the Business Committee meets earlier in the week?

Mr. Peart

The difficulty is that the Business Committee met yesterday and I must take note of what it has said. I think that this present arrangement suits the convenience of everyone.

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