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Business of the House

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 20 October 1949.

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Photo of Mr Herbert Morrison Mr Herbert Morrison , Lewisham East 12:00, 20 October 1949

My hon. Friend seems to have brought transports of delight to the Opposition. I do not see any immediate prospects, but, as the House knows, I did hope that after discussion with the Opposition it would be possible from time to time to debate some of the annual reports of the nationalised indus tries. [HON. MEMBERS: "You promised."] I promised to discuss it on a reasonable basis. It may possibly be one of the subjects.

Opposition

The Opposition are the political parties in the House of Commons other than the largest or Government party. They are called the Opposition because they sit on the benches opposite the Government in the House of Commons Chamber. The largest of the Opposition parties is known as Her Majesty's Opposition. The role of the Official Opposition is to question and scrutinise the work of Government. The Opposition often votes against the Government. In a sense the Official Opposition is the "Government in waiting".