§
Motion made, and Question proposed,
That, at this day's sitting, Mr. Speaker shall put any Question necessary to dispose of Proceedings on the Motion relating to House of Commons (Administration) not later than Seven o'clock.—[Mr. Pavitt.]
§ Mr. PowellIn order that what some people consider to be an unnecessary and undesirable practice may not become a binding precedent by dint of repetition without objection, I again draw attention to the fact that the necessity for a motion of this sort has not yet been considered—as I believe it is the view of the Leader of the House that it deserves to be considered—by the Select Committee on Procedure in relation to the general methods of business in the House. Again, I am assuming that we shall not be drawn into a precedent and that there is no question that we shall not have an opportunity more ample to consider the desirability or necessity of motions of this type.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Robert Mellish)I give the right hon. Member for Down, South (Mr. Powell) the assurance which he has a right to request. We do not wish to adopt this practice each time. The alternative is not to have such a motion and, if necessary, apply a closure motion. That practice is also objectionable.
In considering the business for today, one finds that a large number of hon. Members wish to speak on the second Order that will come before the House and not so many on the first Order. The House tries to do the best it can for hon. Members. I take the right hon. Gentleman's point and I give him the assurance which he has a right to request.
§ Question put and agreed to.