HL Deb 15 July 1946 vol 142 cc404-5
THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS (VISCOUNT-ADDISON)

My Lords, I beg to move the Motion standing in my name. This is, I am afraid, an unfortunate event at this stage in most Sessions. Although I think the adoption of this proposal is necessary for the completion of our business by the time of the Recess, I hope it will be understood that time will be found, through consultations in the usual way, for discussions on other important subjects—just as we have made room for one on India—if the necessity and the desire arise.

Moved, That Standing Orders Nos. XXI and XXXIX be considered in order to their being suspended until the House adjourns for the Recess, and that Government business have, except with the consent of the Government, precedence over other Notices and Orders of the Day.—(Viscount Addison.)

VISCOUNT CRANBORNE

My Lords, I think we would wish to thank the noble Viscount, the Leader of the House, for what he has said. We fully realize that there comes a period at the end of every Session when time has to be found for Government business, and certainly it would be quite contrary to our desire to put any difficulties in their way. I have no doubt, however, that the noble Viscount, the Leader of the House, will be aware that there are certain very important subjects on which debates may be necessary, such as India, Palestine, and Foreign Affairs, on which question a debate has had to be postponed. This is a matter, of course, for negotiation and adjustment between the two sides of the House, but I hope it will be found possible to provide time for debates on vital issues of that kind.

VISCOUNT SAMUEL

My Lords, we on these Benches concur, and bow to the inevitable, as the House is accustomed to do towards the end of every Session. We also concur in what has just been said by the noble Viscount, the Leader of the Opposition, with regard to future debates. The three subjects that he mentioned in particular are subjects in which we, too, are interested.

VISCOUNT ADDISON

My Lords, I quite understand, and I had the same subjects in mind when I made my observations. We shall be very anxious to meet the desires of the House.

On Question, Motion agreed to.