§ LORD SHACKLETONMy Lords, not only is it the first time, but it may indeed be the last time that we have an opportunity of questioning the noble Lord. May I ask the noble Lord the Leader of the House, since we are all—I will not use the word "agog", but as the situation is desperate, what is going to happen with regard to future business? We understand that in another place the Prime Minister has said that further consideration is being given to the very remarkable offer and undertaking by the T.U.C. It would not be fair to ask the Leader of the House, who may not know what the Prime Minister has been up to in another place, to comment on this. But it would be helpful if, in the course of to-day's debate, he could give any indication to the House, in view of the deep seriousness of the situation and the fear that 1075 many of us have, as we work through Committee stages of Bills, that the effort will be wasted when more serious things are afoot.
§ LORD WINDLESHAMMy Lords, I do not know whether that arises on the question of the West London Air Terminal—
§ LORD SHACKLETONMy Lords, it arises from the noble Lord's last statement.
§ LORD WINDLESHAMMy Lords, the next business is the business on the Order Paper. If I can help the House in any way, naturally I shall want to do so. When formal Statements are made by the Prime Minister in another place, it is normal that I repeat them here. But what is said in answer to a Question to the Prime Minister of course is not raised here, unless the same Question is put down, or unless there is some relevant opportunity to raise it. We have the Committee stage of a Bill this afternoon, and I really do not think it would deal with the current economic or energy situation.
§ LORD SHACKLETONMy Lords, if I may say to the noble Lord, we do not often harass him on business, nor do we know—nor apparently does he know—what the Prime Minister is likely to say. We depend on him, and he has been very good at getting us information in this House. All I am asking is that if anything emerges which bears on future business he will be willing to interrupt proceedings and let us know. That is all I am asking. And knowing?his willingness to serve the House, I am sure that he would be prepared to do so. If I may say so, if the Leader of the House is getting bad advice from the Government Chief Whip, I would point out that it is perfectly normal to ask questions on business at any time in this House.
§ LORD WINDLESHAMMy Lords, I was getting excellent advice from the Government Chief Whip, who was saying that he thought there was no reason why I should not do what the Leader of the Opposition said.