It is proposed to conclude the business agreed upon yesterday.
Order of Business.
It was decided also yesterday that at the conclusion of business the House would adjourn until Wednesday, 8th November.
Are we to have a statement from the Minister for Finance?
Yes, and from the Minister for Co-ordination of Defensive Measures.
Is the Minister for Industry and Commerce going to reply to the questions raised yesterday?
I presume so.
I understand the Minister for Industry and Commerce has an engagement and that the Minister for Supplies is taking his place in the House for the moment.
If it suits the convenience of the Government, I am sure we would be prepared to hear the statement from the Minister for Finance now and to allow the Minister for Industry and Commerce to intervene later, if nothing remains but to answer the queries which were raised during the debate yesterday.
Has there been any arrangement as to the duration of the discussion? I thought it was understood that we were not to expand the discussion.
Does the Deputy desire the Chair to shorten discussion? Is that the wish of the House?
This is the first time the Chair asked for that.
It was stated by the Leader of the Opposition yesterday that a full statement would not be expected from the Minister for Finance at this juncture.
Is it understood that the Minister for Industry and Commerce will intervene later?
The difficulty in regard to the Minister for Industry and Commerce is that, on account of the arrangement made yesterday, he expected that the House would not be sitting to-day, and he made an appointment on that understanding for to-day which it has been necessary for him to keep.
Are we to expect that he will intervene later?
Yes.