HC Deb 13 December 1938 vol 342 c1806
Mr. Attlee

May I ask the Prime Minister whether he can announce the dates of the Christmas Recess?

The Prime Minister

Yes, Sir. I hope that all necessary Business will be concluded so that the Motion for the Christmas Adjournment may be moved on Thursday, 22nd December. It is proposed that the House shall meet after the Recess on Tuesday, 31st January.

The Motion for the Adjournment will contain the usual provision empowering Mr. Speaker, on representations being made by the Government, to call the House together at an earlier date if such a course should appear necessary in the public interest.

I shall propose that the House do meet at II o'clock on Thursday and adjourn not later than 5 o'clock.

Mr. Mander

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider inserting some provision in the Motion which would enable the House itself, regardless of the wishes of the Government, to reassemble at an earlier date?

Mr. Gallacher

May we have from the Prime Minister a pledge that there will be no further betrayals of democracy during the Recess?