HC Deb 08 April 1971 vol 815 cc689-91
The Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Francis Pym)

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

I understand that it would be for the greater convenience of the House if the business for Wednesday, 21st April, and Thursday, 22nd April, were re-arranged as follows:—

WEDNESDAY, Supply [15th Allotted Day]: There will be a debate on Education on an Opposition Motion. Remaining stages of the four Consolidation Measures.

THURSDAY, Second Reading of the Shipbuilding Industry Bill.

Mr. David Steel

I hope that it will be in order on this business statement to ask the Chief Whip what happened to the statement which we were led to believe would be made today by the Prime Minister about the appointment of the Chairman of the Top Salaries Review Body? It is not good enough that a matter affecting the interests of the House directly should be announced by means of a Written Answer especially as so many Questions have been put both yesterday and during previous business questions to the Leader of the House?

Mr. Pym

It will be necessary for me to consult my right hon. Friend.

Mr. Thorpe rose—

Mr. Speaker

I do not think that I can allow any questions about business this week. This is a statement dealing with business when we come back.

Mr. Thorpe

Will it be during the week we come back that we shall have this announcement about the Chairman of the Review Body, or will it be made before?

Mr. Pym

I must make inquiries of my right hon. Friend. I imagine that it will be in the week that we come back.

Mr. Ogden

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. There is concern in the House, and the Government Chief Whip should realise that there is this concern, that matters which ought to be stated openly from the Government Dispatch Box are being given in Written Answers. This applies to announcements about chairmanships and a whole series of matters. It is not fair that the Government Chief Whip should say that he will refer to his right hon. Friend. At least he could say that he notes the feeling of the House.

Mr. Pym

If the Chief Whip does not know the answer, it might be as well for him to find out.

Mr. Heffer

On a further point of order, Mr. Speaker. I am sorry to delay the House. I find that the point raised by the Government Chief Whip earlier is dealt with in Question No. 161. As this refers only to the appointment of the Chairman of the Top Salaries Review Body, may I, through you, Mr. Speaker, ask the Government Chief Whip whether when we return we may have a further explanation so that the terms of reference can at least be questioned in this House?

Mr. Pym

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for pointing out that the chairmanship is being announced in reply to a Written Question. The terms of reference are not yet settled. They are a matter for discussion with the Chairman and through the usual channels. Because my right hon. Friend wants the whole House to be entirely satisfied that they are right, when they are agreed in due course they will be announced to the House.