§ 46. Mr. Sandysasked the Prime Minister whether the resumed Debate upon the Government's proposals for a voluntary Register will take place before the Christmas Recess?
§ The Prime MinisterI am not yet in a position to make any statement on this matter.
§ Mr. SandysIn the event of this important Debate not taking place until Parliament reassembles, at the end of January or the beginning of February, can my right hon. Friend say whether it would be necessary to postpone the coming into operation of the Register?
§ The Prime MinisterI do not think so.
§ Mr. SandysI beg to give notice that, in view of that reply, I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.
§ Mr. H. G. WilliamsOn a point of Order. Is it in order to raise on the Adjournment a matter which is already the subject of debate in this House?
§ Mr. SpeakerIt would not be in order to raise a matter which is the subject of debate in this House.
§ Mr. SandysThe matter I wish to raise on the Adjournment is not the matter which is before the House, but the question of bringing into operation a National Register while it is under consideration by the House.
§ Mr. Speaker/ shall need to hear more definitely what it is that the hon. Member will raise.
§ Mr. BennAm I to understand that it is competent for any hon. Member to prevent a discussion on the Adjournment merely by putting a Motion on the Paper?
§ Mr. SpeakerIt used to be a fairly common practice, but latterly it has gone out of use.