May I ask the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury if he has any statement to make with regard to next Friday's business?

Conversations have taken place through the usual channels in regard to the request of the right hon. Gentleman the Leader of the Opposition yesterday that more time should be given to the Second Reading of the Depressed Areas (Development and Improvement) Bill, and the Committee stage of the necessary Financial Resolution. It has been agreed that the programme announced for Monday next, namely the Second Reading of the Depressed Areas Bill and the Committee stage of the Money Resolution, shall stand, but that Friday of next week shall be given, as well as Thursday, for the Committee stage of the Depressed Areas Bill, it being understood that the Committee stage will be concluded by four o'clock on that day.