HC Deb 12 February 1942 vol 377 cc1588-9
Mr. Pethick-Lawrence

Will the Lord Privy Seal state the business for next week?

Mr. Attlee

The business will be as follows:

First Sitting Day.—Committee stage of Supplementary Estimates for Broadcasting, Colonial and Middle Eastern Services, and Ministry of Labour and National Service. Report stage of Supplementary Estimates taken in Committee on 4th February.

Second Sitting Day.—Second Reading of the Ministers of the Crown and House of Commons Disqualification Bill and Committee and remaining stages of the Securities (Validation) Bill.

Third Sitting Day.—We propose to move Mr. Speaker out of the Chair on going into Committee of Supply on the Army Estimates, 1942, and to consider Votes A and 1 and Army Supplementary Estimate in Committee.

Sir P. Harris

Will the Supplementary Estimate for Broadcasting give an opportunity for a full Debate on the work of the British Broadcasting Corporation or will it be confined to smaller items?

Mr. Attlee

It is for Empire and Foreign Broadcasting, and the scope of the Debate is of course a matter for the Chair.

Mr. Stephen

Will an opportunity be given at an early date for a discussion on the Treaty with Ethiopia?

Mr. Attlee

I will convey to the Prime Minister the intimation that that is desired.

Sir H. Williams

When will the Debate on the Ministry of Production be taken?

Mr. Clement Davies

Are we to have a statement before the rising of the House to-day or early next week on the serious news from Singapore?

Mr. Attlee

Not to-day. A Supplementary Estimate will shortly be presented for the office of Minister of Production. It will have to be considered in Committee and on Report, and the time for the Debate will be a matter for arrangement through the usual channels.

Mr. De la Bère

When are we to have a Debate on the plight of the small retailer and shop-keeper? We were promised a good many months ago that time would be found.

Mr. Attlee

That is a matter that could very well be raised on the Motion for the Adjournment.

Commander Sir Archibald Southby

Does the reply to the hon. and learned Member for Montgomery (Mr. Davies) mean that the Prime Minister might make a statement on the war situation next week?

Mr. Attlee

I cannot say but I will convey the suggestion to the Prime Minister.

Mr. Evelyn Walkden

Can we have an early discussion on the whole question of nursery schools, nursery classes and residential nursery centres for war workers and children?

Mr. Attlee

The Minister of Health will be quite ready for a discussion on this question, which could be raised on the Motion for the Adjournment.