HC Deb 08 August 1940 vol 364 cc423-4
Mr. Lees-Smith

Will the Lord Privy Seal state the business of the House for next week, and whether he anticipates that the House will be able to rise for a Recess?

Mr. Attlee

The business for next week will be:

Tuesday: Conclusion of the Committee stage of the Finance (No. 2) Bill.

Wednesday: Second Reading of the War Savings (Determination of Needs) Bill, and Committee stage of the necessary Money Resolution. As this Bill is being presented to-day, a copy will be available in the Vote Office this evening. Second Reading of the Isle of Man (Customs) Bill. Motion to approve the Potatoes Charges Order.

Thursday: Report stage of the Finance (No. 2) Bill, and we hope that it will also be possible to take the Third Reading the same night.

With regard to the Recess, we must dispose of the Finance (No. 2) Bill, and it would seem that outstanding business will occupy the House until Wednesday, 21st August. This should make possible a short Adjournment, beginning on Thursday, 22nd August. I hope to be able to make a short statement on the length of the possible Recess next week.

Mr. Tinker

Did I follow the right hon. Gentleman correctly when I understood him to say that the Supplementary Old Age Pensions Bill would come up next Wednesday?

Mr. Attlee

The War Savings (Determination of Needs) Bill.

Mr. Granville

Is there a possibility that there will be an opportunity for a discussion on the general conduct of the war, with a general statement by the Prime Minister, before the House rises?

Mr. Attlee

That is a matter which could be considered.

Mr. Silverman

Is there any prospect of the House being able to discuss the effect of the White Paper, recently pub lished, with regard to internees? We shall have had some experience of the policy, and the effect of that policy will be known before the House adjourns. I think the House would welcome an opportunity of reviewing the situation.

Mr. Attlee

Such a Debate could be taken on the Motion for the Adjournment for the Recess, or it might be well to wait and see how the new committees are working. Perhaps we might have a fuller Debate a little later.

Mr. Wedgwood

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the House of Lords have already had a very useful Debate on this question?

Mr. Stephen

Will an opportunity be given to discuss the operation of the Supplementary Grants Bill before the House rises?"

Mr. Attlee

That can be arranged.

Forward to