Business of the House

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 17 June 1976.

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Photo of Mr Michael Foot Mr Michael Foot , Ebbw Vale 12:00, 17 June 1976

On the first question, if the right hon. Gentleman had been present—I am not complaining because he was not—at our discussions on EEC procedure on two occasions over the past couple of months, he would not subscribe to the view that I am treating this matter in a fashion not designed to accommodate the House. I am seeking to see how far we can carry into operation the same kind of views as I expressed in Opposition about the need for the House to discuss these matters, but I cannot on that account say that a particular item should be removed from the Order Paper today. I repeat, as I have said, that we recognise that at the end of the debate some subjects may not have been covered and that we may have to return to them.

On the subject of the industrial democracy Bill, so far from thinking that it would assist confidence I believe that the right hon. Gentleman's suggestion could have the opposite effect. The Government have made it clear that we wish in the next Session of Parliament to introduce a Bill on the subject of industrial democracy. That is still the Government's intention. Of course, we know that we must take fully into account what the Bullock Committee reports. We know that we shall have to work very hard to get it through and forward in time, but we attach the highest importance to getting such a Bill before the House as soon as we can manage.