It is proposed to take Item 2 from now until 1 p.m. — Second Stage and Item 4 between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. With the co-operation of the House I hope that Item will conclude within the hour and Item 5 will be taken between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. I asked for the change that was requested by the House yesterday but it was it was not possible to arrange it. There is a commitment that at a very early date this House will have an opportunity of discussing the situation in Yugoslavia.
Order of Business.
There is no difficulty with the Order of Business today. I appreciate the efforts made by the Leader to change today's business of the House at short notice. If we could have that debate as soon as possible it would be appreciated.
I ask that ample time be made available to debate Item 1 which deals with the establishment of a foreign affairs committee. I ask the Leader to note — and I have pointed it out before — that in the restructuring of committees this House is left out of three of the proposed new committees. This problem needs to be addressed on an all-party basis, to ensure that this House has an adequate committee system through which it can make its contribution.
I congratulate all those concerned with the Suicide Bill yesterday. What happened reflects great credit on this House. I regret that the Government did not see fit to allow it to be taken as a Private Members' Bill. I do not accept that this Bill was drafted without sufficient expertise and back-up. Nonethless, it stands to the credit of the House that this important piece of reform will be initiated here with input from all sides.
There will be a debate on the committee system as requested.
Order of Business agreed to.