Business of the House

HC Deb 21 June 1990 vol 174 cc1113-24 3.30 pm

Mr. Bruce Grocott (The Wrekin)

Having heard the Prime Minister read so many answers to planted questions, may we now have the business for next week?

The Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Sir Geoffrey Howe)

The business for next week will be as follows:

MONDAY 25 JUNE—Opposition Day (15th allotted day), There will be a debate on an Opposition motion entitled "The Price of Electricity Privatisation".

Motion relating to the Police (Amendment) Regulations.

The Chairman of Ways and Means has named opposed private business for consideration at seven o'clock.

TUESDAY 26 JUNE—Opposition Day (16th allotted day), Until about seven o'clock there will be a debate entitled "Railway Policy and the Economic and Social Interests of the Nation", Afterwards there will be a debate entitled "British Development Aid and the Environment", Both debates arise on Opposition motions.

Remaining stages of Pakistan Bill [Lords].

WEDNESDAY 27 JUNE—Supplemental timetable motion on and consideration of Lords amendments to the National Health Service and Community Care Bill.

THURSDAY 28 JUNE—There will be a debate on the scrutiny of European legislation on a motion for the Adjournment of the House.

The Fourth report, Session 1988–89, of the Select Committee on Procedure on the Scrutiny of European Legislation (HC 622 vol. I and II) together with the Government response (CM 1081) will be relevant to the debate.

FRIDAY 29 JUNE—Private Members' motions.

MONDAY 2 JULY—Estimates Day (1st allotted day, 2nd part), There will be a debate on class II votes 2, 4 and 5 so far as they relate to assistance to eastern Europe.

The Chairman of Ways and Means is expected to name opposed Private Business for consideration at seven o'clock.

Mr. Grocott

When will we get the Government's statement on their poll tax proposals? This week even the Conservative-controlled Association of District Councils said that it needs £4 billion just to stand still and avoid further massive increases in poll tax demands next year, Is not it high time that the Prime Minister swallowed her pride, came to the House, admitted that the whole thing was a shambles and told us what she was going to do about it?

On Wednesday's business—the National Health Service and Community Care Bill—what will be the Government's proposals on the ring-fencing of community care grants which is recognised as essential by everyone who knows anything about the subject except, apparently, the Government? Can the right hon. and learned Gentleman tell us on Wednesday what his strategy will be? Will we have adequate time to debate it?

On the international issue of global warming—an issue in which the Prime Minister showed tremendous interest for two weeks between her speech on 24 may and 8 June—

Mr. Donald Thompson (Calder Valley)

Get on with it.

Mr. Grocott

I know that the hon. Gentleman does not like it.

On 8 June, the Government blocked European proposals to cut emissions of carbon dioxide. When will the Government stop saying one thing and doing another?

This afternoon the Prime Minister gave one of her numerous, read, prepared answers on the European Court of Justice ruling. When will the Government make a statement to the House so that we can have a proper question-and-answer session to discuss this extremely important issue?

Sir Geoffrey Howe

The community charge is likely to be the subject of a debate on charge capping, the date of which will be fixed through the usual channels in the normal way.

The hon. Gentleman's point on the National Health Service and Community Care Bill can no doubt be raised in the debate still to take place on that. The time provided for discussion next week should be sufficient for the matter to be concluded.

There are no plans for any consideration of the broad question of global warming which the hon. Gentleman raised.

The hon. Gentleman has already heard a statement on the ruling of the European Court of Justice from the Prime Minister this afternoon which follows from the provisions of the European Communities Act 1972. It may be possible to raise some aspects of that in the debate next Thursday.

Several Hon. Members

rose—

Mr. Speaker

Order, The House knows that I am reluctant to curtail business questions. However, we have another statement after this and a very important debate today which is timed for Divisions at 7 pm and 11 pm. I will allow questions on business to continue until 4.10 pm, which will be a full half hour. Will hon. Members please ask single questions related to the business next week?

Mr. Tim Yeo (Suffolk, South)

In view of the widespread concern felt by taxpayers throughout the country, will my right hon. and learned Friend find time at an early date for a debate on taxation so that the Government can reassure not just 14, but 15 out of 15 taxpayers that they will not face a substantial increase in tax rates? That may also provide an opportunity for the Opposition to agree their policies on the issue.

Sir Geoffrey Howe

I sympathise with my hon. Friend's objective. He will have an opportunity of joining the Government's supporters in making that point very clear when, before too long, the Finance Bill returns to the House on Report.

Mr. James Molyneaux (Lagan Valley)

On the proposals for a Select Committee on Northern Irish affairs, and in the light of his reply to me last Thursday, has the Leader of the House had time to consult the Chairman of the Select Committee on Procedure?

Sir Geoffrey Howe

I hope that there will be an opportunity to discuss that question at some point during the debate on the Northern Ireland Act 1974 (Interim Period Extension) Order 1987 which I hope to bring before the House before too long.

Mr. Richard Shepherd (Aldridge-Brownhills)

Following the recent decision of the European Court of Justice, may we have a statement from the Government on whether there is any authority by which a British court may effect the suspension of the workings of legislation passed by Parliament subsequent to the European Communities Act 1972, save by the authority of Parliament? Can our courts issue such directions and by what authority can they do so when legislation has been passed subsequent to the 1972 Act? Do the Government consider that Act to be entrenched?

Sir Geoffrey Howe

I hesitate to answer a series of important questions on that matter when dealing with business questions, However, as my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister said, the judgment of the European Court of Justice, which applies equally to all member states, is binding on us as part of our law by reason of the European Communities Act 1972. Again, as my right hon. Friend said, the way in which the consequences of the judgment should be applied will now be worked out by the English courts—

Mr. Dick Douglas (Dunfermline, West)

Only the English courts?

Sir Geoffrey Howe

By the courts of the United Kingdom. They will decide whether—and if so, how far—the power should be used in this case.

Mr. James Wallace (Orkney and Shetland)

Will the Leader of the House confirm that Monday's debate on the Police (Amendment) Regulations also relates to the Northern Ireland and Scottish regulations, the original prayer against the latter having been tabled by my right hon. Friend the Member for Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale (Sir D, Steel)?

Looking beyond the European Court's decision to its subject matter—quota hopping by Spanish vessels—will a statement be made by a Minister with responsibility for fisheries on the further steps that will be taken to try to eradicate that abuse of the common fisheries policy?

Sir Geoffrey Howe

The answer to the hon. Gentleman's first question is that all the Police (Amendment) Regulations will be subject to discussion in the debate that I have announced, for which we intend to provide three hours.

On the hon. Gentleman's point about the European Court judgment, I understand that a question that will be answered in the House tomorrow may have some bearing. Moreover, as my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister said, for the present, until the implications of the judgment are considered further in the United Kingdom courts, the position on fishing rights remains unchanged.

Mr. Nicholas Budgen (Wolverhampton, South-West)

Is it proposed that the right to strike down Acts of Parliament will be used only by the House of Lords in its judicial capacity, or will we find that every court in the land can be appealed to on the basis that there is overriding EEC legislation? If that is the position, there will be uncertainty and confusion in every court in the land.

Sir Geoffrey Howe

As I understand it, the position in that respect has not changed since the 1972 Act and the treaty of accession, which provided for questions on Community law to be referred to the European Court of Justice in the fashion that has been exercised in this case.

Mr. Peter Shore (Bethnal Green and Stepney)

The right hon. and learned Gentleman must recognise the deep anxiety about the grave issues that are implicit in yesterday's judgment of the European Court in Luxembourg. Therefore, will he not hide behind a supplementary reply from the Prime Minister and will he arrange with the Attorney-General for a full statement early next week so that we can examine this matter, as we have a right to do?

Sir Geoffrey Howe

I shall certainly bring the right hon. Gentleman's request to the attention of my right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General. As I said, following from what my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister said earlier, the European Court has given a judgment, whose application to this case will have to be worked out in a case before the courts of the United Kingdom. While that process is taking place, I am not sure how much it would be fruitful to have a statement of the sort that the right hon. Gentleman requests. However, I shall bring his request to the attention of my right hon. and learned Friend.

Mr. Edward Leigh (Gainsborough and Horncastle)

May I respectfully press my right hon. and learned Friend on that point? All right, the process is carrying on and one may accept that the court was merely applying a right that it has held since 1972, but I am sure that my right hon. and learned Friend will accept that this is a matter of the highest constitutional importance, way above the normal ebb and flow of politics, which goes right to the root of the supremacy of Parliament as the supreme court in this land. Therefore, may I urge my right hon. and learned Friend to arrange a major debate on this issue at the earliest opportunity?

Sir Geoffrey Howe

I have heard the points that have been made by hon. Members of all parties. At this stage, I can say no more than I have said already. I shall bring the request for a statement to the attention of my right hon. and learned. Friend the Attorney-General and I note that we shall have a debate on some aspects of this matter next Thursday.

Mr. Mike Carr (Bootle)

May I draw the deputy Prime Minister's attention to early-day motion 1131, which concerns News International's decision to declare 412 workers redundant at the Eric Bemrose works in Liverpool, and to transfer that work to West Germany?

[That this House notes with alarm the proposal by News International to make over 400 workers at the Eric Bemrose Works redundant; calls upon the group to reconsider this decision, bearing in mind the impact on the Merseyside economy; further notes the fact that the group are currently recruiting some 350 staff for their new Knowsley works and calls on them to give priority to Bemrose workers when filling these vacancies; and seeks assurances over the remaining 160 or so jobs at the Bemrose Works.] If the right hon. and learned Gentleman cannot set aside some time for a debate on that matter, will he make a statement next week?

Sir Geoffrey Howe

I understand why the hon. Gentleman raises that point. It is a matter of regret, particularly for those involved in the constituency that he now represents, The decision was taken by News International and the Government cannot intervene in commercial decisions of that nature, However, it is to be hoped that consideration will be given to the work force at Bemrose during the recruitment of staff for the News International plant at Knowsley.

Mr. Tony Marlow (Northampton, North)

My right hon. and learned Friend has said that we can discuss this supreme constitutional issue on Thursday, but I understand that that debate is about how we scrutinise European legislation. The issue that we are discussing and which we should like to debate next week is the fact that we can pass an Act of Parliament about fundamental issues and next week any tuppenny ha'penny court in the land—I do not mean that pejoratively—can kick it into touch, send it across to the European Court and, however long it takes the European Court, the decision of this House and this Parliament is thrown into abeyance. It is a vital constitutional issue and we should debate it forthwith.

Sir Geoffrey Howe

I understand that my hon. Friend is particularly worried about the matter. It is a matter of developing interest in our relations with the European Community. It has always been implicit in and a consequence of the provisions of the treaty of accession and the 1972 Act.

Mr. Tom Cox (Tooting)

The Leader of the House will have heard the question that my hon. Friend the Member for Blyth Valley (Mr. Campbell) put to the Prime Minister. Is he aware of the deep anguish in Wandsworth over the report on the tragic death of the abused child Stephanie Fox? Is he aware that in Wandsworth we are threatened with even further cuts in essential services for preventing child abuse? Against that background can he give an assurance that the House will have the opportunity as soon as possible to debate that report or that the Secretary of State for Social Services will come to the House and make a full statement on the events that surrounded the brutal death of Stephanie Fox and exactly what provision Wandsworth council intends to make for young children at risk?

Sir Geoffrey Howe

I join my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister in expressing sympathy with those involved in that case, I do not necessarily follow the hon. Gentleman in linking that tragedy to the other matters to which he referred. I shall bring his point to the attention of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services.

Mr. James Kilfedder (North Down)

Will the deputy Prime Minister provide time next week for an urgent debate on the problems of the town of Holywood in my constituency and in particular the need to provide recreational facilities for the residents and young people, the traffic congestion in the town and the urgent need for a new car park?

Sir Geoffrey Howe

I cannot undertake to offer a debate on that topic, but I can undertake to bring it specifically to the attention of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

Mr. Nigel Spearing (Newham, South)

Does the Leader of the House accept the thanks of the Scrutiny Committee on European legislation for putting next Thursday's debate on the Adjournment? Is he aware that another report will be relevant to the debate because the Committee is contemplating publishing a special report on its responsibilities? In view of the Chancellor of the Exchequer's remarks and proposals last night about monetary matters, will the Govrnment place those proposals before the Council of Ministers of the European Community?

Sir Geoffrey Howe

On the second part of the question, copies of the speech are being placed in the Library of the House. The proposals form part of the United Kingdom's constructive approach to the matters that will be discussed at the forthcoming intergovernmental conference. I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for what he said about the form of next Thursday's debate. It will allow matters which emerge from any additional report to be raised during the proceedings.

Mr. Gerald Howarth (Cannock and Burntwood)

Lest my right hon. and learned Friend is in any doubt about the strength of feeling expressed by hon. Members on both sides of the House, I hope that he will listen carefully to the representations that have been made about the European Court of Justice decision, It is absolutely fundamental to the existence of the House of Commons and Parliament that the matter should be resolved. We should at least have the opportunity to clear up possible misunderstandings and the doubt that exists in the present circumstances so that we all know where we stand.

Sir Geoffrey Howe

Of course I understand that this is a matter about which a number of my hon. Friends and other hon. Members feel strongly. Clearly there is room for a wide range of views and differences of emphasis. I shall bring them to the attention of my right hon. and learned Friend and bear in mind the point made by my hon. Friend.

Mr. Jack Ashley (Stoke-on-Trent, South)

May I take it that the Leader of the House was disturbed as I was by the report in The Independent today that one child in three is attacked by dogs and that the majority are bitten? This morning in a hospital I heard about some of the horrific injuries to children caused by dogs. Does he agree that it is time that we made the owners liable for compensation—let us say £100 a bite—as that would make owners control their dogs?

Sir Geoffrey Howe

I agree with the right hon. Gentleman's expression of concern about the consequences of injury to children, among others, by dogs that are violent or out of control, The Government take the matter seriously and I shall bring the right hon. Gentleman's specific proposals to the attention of my right hon. and learned Friend the Home Secretary.

Mr. Hugh Dykes (Harrow, East)

In view of the shocking explosion at the Royal Air Force base in my constituency this morning in which, mercifully, there were no casualties, will the Leader of the House arrange for an urgent statement from the Ministry of Defence about the circumstances of it?

Sir Geoffrey Howe

Of course we share the concern at the explosion that took place in my hon. Friend's constituency and his relief that there were no casualties. I shall bring his request to the attention of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State.

Mr. Dennis Skinner (Bolsover)

If the Leader of the House wants to debate the constitutional crisis between the Common Market and the British Parliament it would be relatively easy to find time on Monday by having a word with the Chairman of Ways and Means and getting rid of the three-hour slot on the Associated British Ports (No. 2) Bill. We could then have a pretty good discussion and remind the electorate that it was a Tory Government who took Britain into the Common Market, with a few Euro-fanatics behind me, Shirley Poppins, Dr. Death and all the rest of them. More latterly it was a Tory Government who backed the Single European Act and forced it through on a guillotine with the Prime Minister, the Leader of the House and all the rest of the Tory Cabinet present.

Sir Geoffrey Howe

I was under the impression that a subsequent Labour Government claimed to renegotiate the terms of our membership of the Community and commended those terms to the people of this country. They endorsed them with a substantial majority of 2:1 in a subsequent referendum, As for the hon. Gentleman's specific suggestion, I see no reason to invite the Chairman of Ways and Means to derange the proposals that he has already made.

Sir Jim Spicer (Dorset, West)

My right hon. and learned Friend will no doubt recollect that in 1980 the cost of first-class postage was 12p. He will also have noted that, this week, there was a proposal to raise that charge to 22p from September. In view of the appalling service that we receive from the Royal Mail, will my right hon. and learned Friend arrange for an early debate before that increase is allowed?

Sir Geoffrey Howe

Although I do not accept every aspect of the important points made by my hon. Friend, he may be happy to know that there will be a debate on that subject, although I have not arranged it, on the Adjournment on Monday.

Dr. John Reid (Motherwell, North)

It not it about time that we had a debate in Government time on the decision of British Steel to close the hot strip mill at Ravenscraig because of the mystery that now surrounds the Government's position? Is the Leader of the House aware that we can get no information from the Department of Trade and Industry since it says that its correspondence with Sir Robert Scholey is confidential, that the meetings between the Scottish Office and the DTI are confidential and that the letter to the Secretary of State for Scotland from Bob Scholey is now confidential? The only way in which to clear up this farce, which is becoming a cross between the magic circle and the secret seven, is to have a debate in Government time. Will the Leader of the House promise that that will be forthcoming?

Sir Geoffrey Howe

I cannot promise a debate of the kind that the hon. Gentleman requests in the way he requests. I understand that the Secretary of State for Scotland has received a substantial reply from the chairman of British Steel which, subject to the needs of confidentiality, goes into the reasons for the decision to which the hon. Gentleman referred. My right hon. and learned Friend would like to publish the letter in due course, but that would require the agreement of British Steel.

Mr. Michael Brown (Brigg and Cleethorpes)

I hope that my right hon. and learned Friend will enable the Chairman of Ways and Means to go about his business in the way he intimated in his statement. But will the Leader of the House, throughout next week's business and particularly on Monday, do what he can to ensure that the House can go about its business properly? Will he ensure that there is no repeat of what occurred at 3 o'clock this morning, when a Bill which had not been opposed on Second Reading or at Third Reading and which was designed to ensure the safety of the travelling public had to undergo farcical treatment because of the activities of a few Opposition Members?

Sir Geoffrey Howe

I cannot, of course, ensure the result for which my hon. Friend asks, although it is greatly to be desired. The majority of hon. Members will deprecate what happened yesterday, The measure before the House last night is important and went through Second Reading without a Division, For a small number of hon. Members to seek to debate, and divide on, every amendment made in another place is not an acceptable way of proceeding and I hope that there can be discussions through the usual channels to allow the measure to proceed.

Mr. John Garrett (Norwich, South)

May we have a debate on the inadequacy of the regulation of the City, given the scandals of Dunsdale Securities, supposedly regulated by the Financial Intermediaries, Managers and Brokers Regulatory Organisation, and British and Commonwealth, supposedly regulated by the Securities and Investments Board? Is not it time that the supine incompetence of the Department of Trade and Industry was examined more closely?

Sir Geoffrey Howe

I do not accept the hon. Gentleman's observations, but if he and his hon. Friends feel as strongly as that, it is surprising that they have not chosen the topic for discussion on an Opposition day.

Mr. Michael Latham (Rutland and Melton)

On the National Health Service and Community Care Bill debate next week, will the Secretary of State for Health take the opportunity to make a statement saying what he intends to do to help health authorities such as Leicestershire which are facing financial difficulty because of their inability to sell surplus land? Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that the matter must be addressed urgently because many health authorities are in similar difficulties?

Sir Geoffrey Howe

My hon. Friend is diligent in drawing the attention of the House to examples of that matter, I am not sure how far it will be relevant or admissible in the debate next week on the National Health Service and Community Care Bill, but I will bring his point to the attention of my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State.

Mr. Peter Hardy (Wentworth)

The Leader of the House will probably agree with my request that he urgently consult the Chairman of Ways and Means with a view to changing Monday's business, for the good reason that we have not yet reached the point in the House when we are expected to debate documents that are not available. Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that yesterday I went to the Vote Office, and that this afternoon I and a number of my hon. Friends went to the Vote Office, to collect copies of the Lords amendments that we are supposed to be debating on Monday, but they were not there? Is he aware that as those documents, which are essential for that debate and which we may seek to amend further, are not available, the debate cannot possibly take place—and we cannot be expected to co-operate—in a sensible manner.

Sir Geoffrey Howe

I fancy that the hon. Gentleman may be speaking about the wrong day because I see nothing in Monday's business to justify those comments. But I will ensure that his more general point is looked into.

Mr. Neil Hamilton (Tatton)

Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that the impact of the recent European Court of Justice decision is more than merely a question of emphasis but is a major question of constitutional importance? In the Bill of Rights the suspending and dispensing power of Acts of Parliament by sovereigns was expressly denied, Is he aware that the European Court of Justice now appears to be changing its practice and is saying that the courts of this country can overturn Acts of Parliament? Hitherto when the European Court had said that our law was not in conformity with European law, it required the Government to introduce legislation to repeal the existing statute. We seem to have gone a large step beyond that now, and this major issue of constitutional importance should be debated at the earliest opportunity.

Sir Geoffrey Howe

I understand the way in which my hon. Friend puts the point; I shall continue to reflect on it in the way that I have mentioned.

Mrs. Margaret Ewing (Moray)

Although many right hon. and hon. Members have understandably raised the issue of parliamentary sovereignty, does the right hon. and learned Gentleman understand that the principle underpinning Scottish constitutional law is that of the sovereignty of the people? Given that the Government have dismissed the views of the people of Scotland on the disposal of nuclear waste at Dounreay, will he arrange for an early statement about the activities of Nirex and British Nuclear Fuels plc not only at Dounreay but elsewhere in Scotland so that we can be fully aware of all the sites being considered by those agencies?

Sir Geoffrey Howe

I cannot give an undertaking on those lines but I shall bring the point to the attention of my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State.

Mr. Ivan Lawrence (Burton)

As there would be no need for any prisoner to be in police cells but for the industrial action in localised areas by the Prison Officers Association; and as we have the largest prison building programme of the century; and as the prison population is falling and the number of prison officers rising; and as prison officers are among the better paid public service employees; and as there is no need for the proposed industrial action, will my right hon. and learned Friend find an early time for a debate on the subject of prisons so that these matters can be more effectively put?

Sir Geoffrey Howe

I am sure that the great majority of hon. Members will share the concern expressed by my hon. and learned Friend about the impact of the industrial action being taken by the prison officers, The fact is that the Director-General of the Prison Service has on two occasions—most recently today—written to the chairman of the Prison Officers Association repeating his earlier offer that the prison service is ready to enter into immediate discussions about matters of mutual concern, I think that the great majority of hon. Members will urge the POA to accept that offer of meetings.

Mr. Dave Nellist (Coventry, South-East)

Will the Leader of the House arrange for a statement or debate at the beginning of next week on our crumbling schools? Is he aware that the Minister responsible for schools, the hon. Member for Stratford-on-Avon (Mr. Howarth), is visiting four schools in Coventry tomorrow with the unenviable task of having to explain why the city council has received only 15 per cent. of the £12 million that it needs this year for urgent repairs? Is he further aware that one school in my constituency has to make the toilet area double up as a computer studies area?

Hon. Members

Pay up.

Mr. Speaker

Order.

Mr. Nellist

Is not the Leader of the House ashamed that our children do not have better facilities in which to learn?

Sir Geoffrey Howe

On more than one occasion the hon. Gentleman has asked questions along those lines, completely overlooking the fact that in real terms expenditure per head in education is higher now than at any time.

Mr. Spencer Batiste (Elmet)

My right hon. and learned Friend will be aware of the recent lobby by a number of unfortunate people who have suffered serious side-effects from long exposure to high doses of steriods, Will he find time for a debate so that attention can be focused on the plight of those unfortunate people and on warning the public of the dangers of protracted use of high doses of these powerful drugs?

Sir Geoffrey Howe

My hon. Friend will not be surprised to learn that I cannot offer the prospect of a debate on this topic, but I shall bring it to the attention of my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Health.

Mr. Dick Douglas (Dunfermline, West)

Will the Leader of the House accept that behind his slip of the tongue—when he referred to English law—is an attitude of mind that is particularly irritating to Scots, some of whom have been paying the poll tax for 15 months? Will we have a statement from the Secretary of State for Scotland on the Government's proposed amendments to the tax before local authorities in Scotland increase it even more?

Sir Geoffrey Howe

I am wholly aware of the importance of recognising that the highest courts in the land apply to the United Kingdom because they apply also to Wales and Scotland, I shall bring the hon. Gentleman's specific point to the attention of my right hon. Friends.

Mr. Nicholas Bennett (Pembroke)

In view of the garbled and muddled attempt by the Leader of the Opposition on television on Monday to explain his income tax and expenditure policies, will my right hon. and learned Friend arrange for an early debate on adult education so that we can discuss the obvious need for supplemental remedial classes in arithmetic and English?

Sir Geoffrey Howe

My hon. Friend chooses an important example of that need. However, I am not sure whether even the most elegant classes would fulfil the object that he has in mind.

Mr. Brian Sedgemore (Hackney, South and Shoreditch)

Bearing in mind the fact that the Chancellor of the Exchequer's two fascinating statements during the past fortnight about taking Britain towards European monetary union were made to private gatherings of business men, and knowing the Prime Minister's admiration for the principles of parliamentary democracy and accountability, will the Leader of the House persuade the Chancellor to come to the House next week to make an early statement and then to pop upstairs and give some evidence to the Select Committee on the Treasury and Civil Service?

Sir Geoffrey Howe

My right hon. Friend the Chancellor takes advantage of many opportunities for developing the thinking about this matter in the House and before Select Committees and other audiences. I shall bring the hon. Gentleman's suggestion to my right hon. Friend's attention.

Mr. Roger King (Birmingham, Northfield)

Does my right hon. and learned Friend agree that the obvious confusion that abounds among the leaders of the Opposition about their political policy could be substantially clarified for the benefit of the nation generally if every week at a quarter past three the Leader of the Opposition presented himself at the Dispatch Box and answered questions in the same way as does the Prime Minister? We would then be better able to understand exactly what the Opposition stand for.

Sir Geoffrey Howe

The great majority of hon. Members would prefer to keep the right hon. Gentleman in his present role at the Dispatch Box on the Opposition side of the House.

Mr. Stuart Bell (Middlesbrough)

Will the Lord President of the Council take the opportunity to arrange an early debate on the Government's private Bill procedure? Is he aware that the Tees and Hartlepool Port Authority Bill is a public Bill going through the private Bill route? Is he further aware that the Finance Bill has had to be modified through the insertion of two new clauses to take into account the financial provisions of a private Bill? Therefore, we have the odd situation of a private Bill which is a public Bill and a hybrid Bill at one and the same time, May we have an early debate on this perversion of the procedures of the House which is an abuse of the House and all that we stand for?

Sir Geoffrey Howe

I do not accept the insight offered by the hon. Gentleman, I am happy to say that we have completed our consideration of private Bill procedure and that I have today announced proposals which are being made available, [HON. MEMBERS: "Where?"] I announced them in reply to a question today from my hon. Friend the Member for New Forest (Sir P, McNair-Wilson), and, together with my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Transport and for the Environment, I have published a consultation paper on the topic. That consultation paper is available to hon. Members.

Mr. David Nicholson (Taunton)

May we have an early debate on the future of county and regional government in England in view of the proposals by the Labour party to abolish county councils, which, for all their faults, are familiar and traditional units of government, and to replace them with a costly bureaucratic tier of regional assemblies? Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that in the south-west, regional assemblies would be a shambles because Bristol, Exeter and Plymouth would all be unsatisfactory as regional capitals? Even Taunton, which has been proposed by a Labour candidate as a regional capital, would cause a development nightmare for my constituents and I am sure that it would be objectionable to Cornish Members such as my hon. Friend the Member for St, Ives (Mr. Harris).

Sir Geoffrey Howe

After such a comprehensive suggestion I almost doubt the need for a debate.

Mr. Eddie Loyden (Liverpool, Garston)

Will the Leader of the House ask the appropriate Secretary of State, presumably the Foreign Secretary, to make a statement to the House about imports from countries that make extensive use of child labour? To some extent it is hypocrisy to talk about human rights when we are importing materials from such countries at the expense of the exploitation of children.

Sir Geoffrey Howe

If the hon. Gentleman has examples in mind I shall bring them to the attention of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs.

Mr John Marshall (Hendon, South)

Will my right hon. and learned Friend arrange an early debate on the future of the War Crimes Bill so that the House can reiterate its support for that Bill?

Sir Geoffrey Howe

Having considered all the implications of the debates and votes that have already taken place in both Houses on the subject, including the vote in the other place on 4 June, the Government have decided that the War Crimes Bill should be reintroduced next Session, The Government will be seeking, whether by way of suggested amendments or otherwise, to secure the support of both Houses for the Bill.

Several Hon. Members

rose—

Mr. Speaker

Order. I am sorry that I have not been able to call all the hon. Members who have been rising, but I shall ensure that those who have not been called today will be called early next Thursday.

Mr. Hardy

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker

I shall take points of order after the Home Secretary's statement.