HC Deb 27 April 1939 vol 346 cc1316-8
Mr. Attlee

Will the Prime Minister state what will be the business for next week?

The Prime Minister

The business next week will be:

Monday.—Conclusion of the general Debate on the Budget Resolutions.

Tuesday and Wednesday.—Report stage of the Budget Resolutions until 7.30 p.m. on Wednesday. After 7.30 p.m. on Wednesday, Report and Third Reading of the Camps Bill, and of the Limitation Bill [Lords]; consideration of outstanding Import Duties Orders Exemptions No. 4, and Nos. 1 and 2.

Thursday.—First day of Debate on Second Reading of the Military Training Bill.

Friday.—Consideration of Private Members' Bills.

On any day, if there is time, other Orders may be taken.

Mr. Attlee

May I ask the Prime Minister whether arrangements will be made so that the Limitation Bill will not, as on previous occasions, be taken late, as it is an important matter; and also when the Military Training Bill will be available?

The Prime Minister

With regard to the right hon. Gentleman's first question, I can give him that assurance. As to his second question, we hope to be able to circulate the Bill on Monday evening.

Mr. Attlee

With regard to to-day's business, is it proposed that the House should come to a decision on this important matter after only one day's Debate?

The Prime Minister

I have given further consideration to that suggestion, but I am bound to say that I think it is of national importance that a decision should be arrived at to-night. I do not think that any hardship or injustice would be done by that, because, after all, this is only a preliminary stage; there will be a Debate next week on the Bill itself. As I have already said, the text of the Bill will be issued early in the week, and I have it in mind that the Second Reading should be given two days, though I do not want to take a final decision about that, but would prefer to leave it for further discussion through the usual channels. But there will be ample time for full discussion next week. In view of the considerations which I have mentioned, I think we ought to take a decision to-night.

Mr. Attlee

The right hon. Gentleman will realise that this Debate is an important stage, for we are dealing with the vital principle.

The Prime Minister

Of course, this is not really a stage that is usually debated at all, but it was the general wish of the House, and it seemed to me a proper one, that the discussion should take place as early as possible.

Mr. Sandys

May I ask the Prime Minister when he proposes to bring in the other Bill to which he referred yesterday, for the mobilisation of the Territorials?

The Prime Minister

The Second Reading will come early the week after next.

Mr. Sandys

Does that mean that nothing can be done as regards calling up the Territorials in the meantime?

The Prime Minister

That could be done by Proclamation.

Mr. McGovern

Should not a Bill for the conscription of wealth be introduced before this Bill?