Business of the House

– in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 5 Chwefror 1970.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Mr Edward Heath Mr Edward Heath , Bexley 12:00, 5 Chwefror 1970

May I ask the Leader of the House whether he will state the business of the House for next week?

Photo of Mr Thomas Peart Mr Thomas Peart , Workington

Yes, Sir. The business for next week will be as follows:

MONDAY, 9TH FEBRUARY—Second Reading of the Equal Pay (No. 2) Bill.

Motion relating to Sunday Cinematograph Entertainments in Runcorn.

TUESDAY, 10TH FEBRUARY—Second Reading of the Industrial Training Bill and of the Radiological Protection Bill [Lords].

Motions on the Sugar Beet (Research Education) (Increase of Contributions) Order and on the Patents (Amendment No. 2) Rules, 1969.

WEDNESDAY, 11TH FEBRUARY—Supply [11th Allotted Day]:

Until Seven o'clock there will be a debate on the Motor Industry which will arise on an Opposition Motion, and afterwards, on Mental Hospitals, on a Motion for the Adjournment of the House.

Motion on the Drivers' Hours (Goods Vehicles) (Modifications) Order.

THURSDAY, 12TH FEBRUARY—Second Reading of the Education Bill.

FRIDAY, 13TH FEBRUARY—Private Members' Bills.

MONDAY, 16TH FEBRUARY—Supply [12th Alloted Day]:

Debate on a topic to be announced later.

Photo of Mr Edward Heath Mr Edward Heath , Bexley

Will the Leader of the House now tell us the day next week on which the White Paper on Europe will be published? Secondly, will he indicate the day on which the Chancellor of the Exchequer will make his Budget statement?

Photo of Mr Thomas Peart Mr Thomas Peart , Workington

We hope to publish the White Paper next Tuesday, and my right hon. Friend is expected to make a statement on Europe.

My right hon. Friend the Chancellor has asked me to say that he will open his Budget on Tuesday, 14th April.

Photo of Mr Arthur Bottomley Mr Arthur Bottomley , Middlesbrough East

While thanking the Government for a positive response to the recommendations made by the Select Committee on Race Relations and Immigration concerning the problems of coloured school leavers, may I ask my right hon. Friend whether he can find time for a debate? Further, is my right hon. Friend aware that, although we have debated immigration 'on other occasions, we have not debated race relations as such?

Photo of Mr Thomas Peart Mr Thomas Peart , Workington

Yes, I am aware of that. This is an important matter, and I understand my right hon. Friend's views on it. But I cannot find time in the next few days.

Photo of Mr John Boyd-Carpenter Mr John Boyd-Carpenter , Kingston upon Thames

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell us when the Order announced in mid-December by the Minister of State, Department of Health and Social Security, to restrict unemployment benefit for certain occupational pensioners will be laid; and, when it is laid, will be give an undertaking that adequate time will be given for debating an Order which involves the introduction of a means test into National Insurance?

Photo of Mr Thomas Peart Mr Thomas Peart , Workington

I cannot be specific on this. I will look into it. Perhaps I could have a word with the right hon. Gentleman.

Photo of Mrs Anne Kerr Mrs Anne Kerr , Rochester and Chatham

Has my right hon. Friend studied Motion No. 122, standing in my name and the names of a large number of hon. Members, so far all on this side?

[That this House records its admiration for the contribution made by Bertrand Russell to science, literature, philosophy, the cause of peace and the general happiness of mankind.]

Will my right hon Friend either make a statement today or give time for a debate on that very great man Bertrand Russell, whom the Motion is about?

Photo of Mr Thomas Peart Mr Thomas Peart , Workington

I have studied the Motion. I agree that he was a very distinguished figure, but I cannot find time to debate the Motion.

Photo of Mr Gilbert Longden Mr Gilbert Longden , South West Hertfordshire

Is there much to he gained by debating next Thursday a Measure which will not have time to operate before it is due to be repealed?

Photo of Mr Thomas Peart Mr Thomas Peart , Workington

I think that this is a very important Measure.

Photo of Mr Robert Maxwell Mr Robert Maxwell , Buckingham

Will my right hon. Friend tell us whether the Secretary of State for Defence has considered his statement about a regrettable incident in Malaya and whether, in the light of his statement yesterday, he will issue a further statement either today or some time next week?

Photo of Mr Thomas Peart Mr Thomas Peart , Workington

I have nothing to add to what I think was a fine statement yesterday.

Photo of Mr John Peyton Mr John Peyton , Yeovil

The right hon. Gentleman has just said that he regards the Education Bill as a very important Measure.

Mr. Pearl:

Yes.

Photo of Mr John Peyton Mr John Peyton , Yeovil

I am obliged. Would it not be right, therefore, to leave it in the hands of the House and give the public more time to consider it before we debate it?

Photo of Mr Thomas Peart Mr Thomas Peart , Workington

I think that there is adequate time. I am sure that the hon. Gentleman has certain views on the matter. If he catches Mr. Speaker's eye, I am sure that he will make a contribution. I think that it is an important Measure.

Photo of Mr Robert Maclennan Mr Robert Maclennan , Caithness and Sutherland

In view of the delays that there have been in the reorganisation of the nuclear energy industry, may I ask the Leader of the House when he will be publishing his Bill on the fuel company?

Photo of Mr Thomas Peart Mr Thomas Peart , Workington

This will come soon.

Photo of Mr Derek Walker-Smith Mr Derek Walker-Smith , Hertfordshire East

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen the terms of Motion No. 116, standing in the names of a large number of my right hon. and hon. Friends and myself? [That this House, on the termination of the Springbok tour, congratulates the visiting team and all the home teams on the sporting spirit displayed in their encounters and the police on their patience and efficiency under gross provocation; condemns the violence and lawlessness of some demonstrators and the encouragement which they have received from the approbation or condonation of their actions by others not themselves directly participating; reaffirms its belief in the rule of law and calls for the effective maintenance of law and order together with sharp and salutary sentences for those convicted of offences of violence and aggression.] In view of the contemporary and continuing importance of the subject, may I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman will give Government time to debate it?

Photo of Mr Thomas Peart Mr Thomas Peart , Workington

I have seen the Motion, which I take to be an expression of opinion and not really a call for a debate. Anyway, not next week.

Photo of Mr Leslie Huckfield Mr Leslie Huckfield , Nuneaton

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the near mid-air collision which occurred over Wallasey this morning brings the figure for such occurrences over this country to 93 since 1963? As a matter of the utmost urgency, may I press my right hon. Friend to let the House have a debate on this subject in the very near future?

Photo of Mr Thomas Peart Mr Thomas Peart , Workington

I cannot promise a debate on this matter, but I will make representations to my right hon. Friend about the seriousness of it. I know that many hon. Members are concerned about it.

Photo of Mr Patrick Jenkin Mr Patrick Jenkin , Wanstead and Woodford

In view of the fears which have been conveyed to the Chancellor of the Exchequer by workers at the Royal Mint—representations which he has undertaken to consider—and in view of the failure of export orders for the Mint, stage 2 of the move to South Wales must now seriously be called into question. Therefore, will the Leader of the House arrange for his right hon. Friend to make a statement on this important subject next week?

Photo of Mr Thomas Peart Mr Thomas Peart , Workington

I cannot do that. I think that the hon. Gentleman knows what the views are, and I cannot see why we should have a debate.

Photo of Mr William Molloy Mr William Molloy , Ealing North

May I draw my right hon. Friend's attention to Motion No. 98, standing in my name and that of my hon. Friend the Member for Fife, West (Mr. William Hamilton), concerning nurses' pay. As there is a very real crisis not on the horizon but approaching very fast in the nursing profession, will he find time in the very near future to have a debate on the whole situation with regard to that profession?

[That this House urges Her Majesty's Government to implement in full, this year, the recent Whitley Council proposals on nurses' pay, as a first step towards the creation of a salary scale more appropriate to the value of the work rendered by all nursing staff.]

Photo of Mr Thomas Peart Mr Thomas Peart , Workington

My hon. Friend has expressed an opinion. There have been discussions on the matter and statements have been made. I think that the Government's view is well known, and I cannot find time to debate this.

Photo of Mr Keith Speed Mr Keith Speed , Meriden

In view of the very serious strike figures last week, will the Government take over the excellent Industrial Relations (Improvement) Bill, standing in the name of my hon. Friend the Member for Basingstoke (Mr. David Mitchell)?

Photo of Mr Thomas Peart Mr Thomas Peart , Workington

I cannot give that promise.

Photo of Mr Anthony Gardner Mr Anthony Gardner , Rushcliffe

Has my right hon. Friend noticed that the list of Notices of Motions on the Order Paper relating to Bills to be introduced under the Ten Minutes Rule remains substantially the same as that which was published following the activities of the hon. Member for Tiverton (Mr. Maxwell-Hyslop)? What discussions have there been about this matter?

Photo of Mr Thomas Peart Mr Thomas Peart , Workington

I would rather leave it as it is.

Photo of Mr Ian Orr-Ewing Mr Ian Orr-Ewing , Hendon North

When may we expect this year's Defence White Paper to be published?

Photo of Mr Thomas Peart Mr Thomas Peart , Workington

I cannot give the exact date, but it will be very soon, and we shall of course have a debate on it.

Photo of Mr Arnold Shaw Mr Arnold Shaw , Ilford South

Has my right hon. Friend given thought to the request in Motion No. 81, and if so, has he come to any decision? [That this House regrets that the rules of order and precedents on the taking of Private Members Bills prevented Mr. Speaker from accepting the Motion, That the Question be now put, during the debate on the Conservation of Seals Bill; believes that the filibustering tactics of certain members of the Conservative benches were a disgraceful abuse of the House, designed solely to prevent the House reaching a decision on the Deer Hunting and Hare Coursing Abolition Bill; and urges the Government to make time available for a full debate on the Deer Hunting and Hare Coursing Abolition Bill at the earliest opportunity.]

Photo of Mr Thomas Peart Mr Thomas Peart , Workington

I know that this relates to Private Members' Bills, and I will look into this with sympathy.

Photo of Mr Stephen Hastings Mr Stephen Hastings , Mid Bedfordshire

Will the Leader of the House reconsider his answer to my right hon. and learned Friend the Member for Hertfordshire, East (Sir D. Walker-Smith) about Motion No. 116 on law and order? Does he realise that in view of forthcoming events this is a most important matter, that we need a debate on it, and that he must not just brush it aside?

Photo of Mr Thomas Peart Mr Thomas Peart , Workington

I am not brushing it aside. I believe that when right hon. and hon. Members put down a Motion they also do it to express an opinion. This is important. But I cannot arrange for a debate on this matter.

Photo of Mr John Lee Mr John Lee , Reading

Can my right hon. Friend give us an assurance that we shall have an early debate on the Middle East in view of the very grave situation there?

Photo of Mr Thomas Peart Mr Thomas Peart , Workington

I cannot promise another foreign affairs debate immediately.

Photo of Mr Frederick Corfield Mr Frederick Corfield , Gloucestershire South

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman once again when we shall have a debate on the White Paper on air transport? Will he be a little more forthcoming than merely to say, "Not next week"?

Photo of Mr Thomas Peart Mr Thomas Peart , Workington

I am only being precise when I say "next week". It will not be next week. In view of the representations I will look at this, but I cannot promise.

Photo of Mr Arthur Palmer Mr Arthur Palmer , Bristol Central

May I remind my right hon. Friend of the need for an early debate on the Report of the Select Committee on Science and Technology on defence research?

Photo of Mr Thomas Peart Mr Thomas Peart , Workington

It is an important Report, and I pay tribute to my hon. Friend and the members of an important Select Committee, but I cannot promise a time. There are many Reports that must be considered.

Photo of Dr Winnie Ewing Dr Winnie Ewing , Hamilton

Has the right hon. Gentleman given consideration to Motion No. 118 in my name calling for the publication to hon. Members of the secret report of the Scottish Economic Planning Board on Scottish emigration, as it is apparently already in the hands of the Press? [That this House calls upon the Secretary of State for Scotland to make available to Members the secret report of the Scottish Economic Planning Board on emigration so that the serious nature of the allegations made in the Scotsman newspaper may be examined by the House and not confined to Cabinet Ministers and non-elected officials.]

Photo of Mr Thomas Peart Mr Thomas Peart , Workington

I have noted the Motion. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland answered questions on the matter on 2nd February. I have nothing to add to that. I cannot find time for a debate in the House.

Photo of Mr Stanley Henig Mr Stanley Henig , Lancaster

In view of the continuing secret discussions between this country and Libya, which could involve the sale of advanced British weapons which might thereby fall into other hands, can my right hon. Friend promise the House that before any agreement is reached between this country and Libya the House will have an opportunity to debate the matter and make our decision on whether we want the agreement to go ahead?

Photo of Mr Thomas Peart Mr Thomas Peart , Workington

I cannot promise a debate on this. It is obviously a matter for my right hon. Friend the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary, to whom I will convey my hon. Friend's views.

Photo of Mr Richard Sharples Mr Richard Sharples , Sutton and Cheam

The Leader of the House said that he will look sympathetically at Motion No. 81, which calls for time for a certain Private Member's Bill. Will he look equally sympathetically at Motion No. 114, which calls for time to be given to a Bill of great importance to a large number of very old pensioners? [That this House regrets that the rules of order and precedents on the taking of Private Members' Bills prevented Mr. Speaker from accepting the Motion, That the Question be now put, during the debate on the National Insurance (Further Provisions) Bill; believes that the filibustering tactics of certain members of the Government benches were a disgraceful abuse of the House, designed solely to prevent the House reaching a decision on the National Insurance (Further Provisions) Bill; and urges the Government to make time available for a full debate on the National Insurance (Further Provisions) Bill at the earliest opportunity.]

Photo of Mr Thomas Peart Mr Thomas Peart , Workington

That matter was debated only last Friday. [Interruption.] Hon. Members know the procedure of the House. I do not think that it arises on this occasion.

Photo of Mr Emanuel Shinwell Mr Emanuel Shinwell , Easington

In view of the somewhat excessive demands that have been made from both sides of the House to discuss Early Day Motions and a variety of topics, and deal with a great mass of legislation, could my right hon. Friend use his influence to delay the General Election for another few years?

Photo of Mr David Renton Mr David Renton , Huntingdonshire

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Beeching Report on the courts and the Law Commission Report on the interpretation of Statutes each recommends important changes of principle which have not yet been debated in the House, although Clauses based on those recommendations have been slipped into legislation now before us? Will he provide an early opportunity for us to debate these important changes of principle before we go further with legislation based upon them?

Photo of Mr Thomas Peart Mr Thomas Peart , Workington

The right hon. and learned Gentleman, with his great interest in this matter, has highlighted an important point. I will look into the question sympathetically and then perhaps he and I could get together and have a word about it.

Photo of Mr James Johnson Mr James Johnson , Kingston upon Hull West

Will my right hon. Friend confirm that since the terrible fishing disaster in Hull two years ago both he and the House have been expecting legislation about the design and building of trawlers? When are we to have this legislation? I believe that it was mentioned in the Queen's Speech.

Photo of Mr Thomas Peart Mr Thomas Peart , Workington

That is a reasonable question. I cannot promise a specific date when a Bill will be published, but we shall get it.

Photo of Mr Eric Lubbock Mr Eric Lubbock , Orpington

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman about next Wednesday's second item of business on mental hospitals? Is he aware that many other aspects of the problem of mental health are of great importance, quite apart from the mental hospitals, and that the House would like to have time to debate the care of the mentally ill within the community and the research work of the Medical Research Council on this matter? Will he confirm that it will be in order to discuss those topics on the same occasion?

Photo of Mr Thomas Peart Mr Thomas Peart , Workington

The hon. Gentleman will appreciate that I announced that the debate would be on a Motion for the Adjournment of the House.

Photo of Mr Russell Kerr Mr Russell Kerr , Feltham

In view of the continuing uncertainty for the hundreds of workers involved, can the Government promise a statement next week on their intentions with regard to the Beagle Aircraft Company employees?

Photo of Mr Thomas Peart Mr Thomas Peart , Workington

I will convey my hon. Friend's question to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Technology. I recognise the seriousness of the matter to many workers employed in the aircraft industry.

Mr. Edward M. Taylor:

Is the Leader of the House aware of the very real concern and anxiety of ratepayers in the West of Scotland over the Government's proposals to establish a passenger transport authority for the greater Glasgow area? Can he assure us that we shall have an early discussion on this vital matter?

Photo of Mr Thomas Peart Mr Thomas Peart , Workington

I cannot promise a debate on it, but I will make representations to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State about it.

Photo of Mr Raphael Tuck Mr Raphael Tuck , Watford

Further to the request of my hon. Friend the Member for Reading (Mr. John Lee), who, incidentally, asked for a debate not on foreign affairs but on the Middle East, as a spark from that region might set the world alight, does not my right hon. Friend feel that time should be given for a debate on the Middle East?

Photo of Mr Thomas Peart Mr Thomas Peart , Workington

I thought that my hon. Friend was going to say that I was wise to resist a debate for the reasons given.

Photo of Rear-Admiral Morgan Morgan-Giles Rear-Admiral Morgan Morgan-Giles , Winchester

In view of the Freudian slip by the Home Secretary about wanting to regiment the smaller dairy farmers into the State system, will the Leader of the House arrange an early debate on Motion No. 117? [That this House deplores the statement attributed to the Secretary of State for the Home Department and the implied suggestion that a farm of over 50 acres with 50 cows is not a viable unit; points out that the average dairy herd in this country is 33 cows and that many small farmers are both efficient and playing a vital rôle in the nation's economy; and calls upon the Government to confirm their support of the small farmers in this country.]

Photo of Mr Thomas Peart Mr Thomas Peart , Workington

I cannot. My right hon. Friend has always been a great defender of the farming community. I believe that the Government's record on small farmers, certainly when I was Minister, and I know still —

Photo of Dr Horace King Dr Horace King , Southampton, Itchen

Order. The Freudian slip of the questioner and the answer of the Leader of the House are drifting into merits. This is business question time.

Photo of Mr Thomas Peart Mr Thomas Peart , Workington

I cannot find time next week.

Photo of Mr Leo Abse Mr Leo Abse , Pontypool

Would my right hon. Friend note that it is not only hon. Members opposite who are concerned that there has as yet been no debate on the Beeching Report, which is recasting the whole administration of justice in this country? Would he now have discussions with the Lord Chancellor so that we can have a debate in this House?

Photo of Mr Thomas Peart Mr Thomas Peart , Workington

I thought that I gave a sympathetic reply to the right hon. and learned Member for Huntingdonshire (Sir D. Renton). I will make representations, but I cannot promise a debate. Of course, the Report affects the administration of justice, but I cannot find time next week.

Photo of Miss Irene Ward Miss Irene Ward , Tynemouth

Can the right hon. Gentleman provide us with a list of the unredeemed pledges of the Prime Minister so that we can have a comprehensive debate on the subject?

Photo of Mr Thomas Peart Mr Thomas Peart , Workington

I think that my right hon. Friend will be able to handle this in his own way.

Photo of Mr John Hill Mr John Hill , South Norfolk

Since the Government yesterday fired two barrels at local education authorities in the White Paper and in the Education Bill, would it not be more considerate and more consonant with their protestations about local government to allow two clear weekends before either the Bill or the White Paper is debated?

Photo of Mr Thomas Peart Mr Thomas Peart , Workington

No, I think that there is adequate time. Hon. Members know the details of this, really. The hon. Gentleman will have his opportunities.

Photo of Mr Kenneth Lewis Mr Kenneth Lewis , Rutland and Stamford

Just for the record, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, to my great surprise, last week I found that there was a space for a Ten-Minute Bill in the week after next and that, in default of any hon. Member opposite wanting it, I got it?

Photo of Mr Thomas Peart Mr Thomas Peart , Workington

I congratulate the hon. Member on his initiative.

Photo of Dr Horace King Dr Horace King , Southampton, Itchen

"God moves in a mysterious way."

Photo of Mr Neil Marten Mr Neil Marten , Banbury

In view of the profoundly serious nature of the White Paper on our entry of Europe, would the right hon. Gentleman, when he gives future business recognise that many of us would like quite a long time to study this matter very seriously—I would say, three weeks—and that we should not have a debate on it for at least three weeks?

Photo of Mr Thomas Peart Mr Thomas Peart , Workington

I am aware of this, but I feel that hon. Members will have adequate time to study it. I should have thought that certain hon. Members had certain fixed positions already.