HC Deb 18 February 1972 vol 831 c771
Mr. Benn

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I want to ask the Leader of the House whether he will give an indication as to when we might expect a statement on the Wilberforce Report. I appreciate that the White Paper became available in the Vote Office only a few moments ago and is now before the Secretary of State for Employment and the National Union of Mineworkers. I hope that the right hon. Gentleman will assure us that before the House rises there will be a statement.

The Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Mr. William Whitelaw)

Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker. As the right hon. Gentleman says, the report of the inquiry is now available in the Vote Office. It is, of course, with the parties at the Department of Employment, where my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has both the National Coal Board and the National Union of Mineworkers with him.

If it is agreeable to the House, I think that the most convenient method would be for my right hon. Friend to make a statement at 4 o'clock. I hope that this will give time for his discussions with the parties concerned and that it meets the convenience of the House.

Back to