HC Deb 28 January 1943 vol 386 cc618-21
Mr. Arthur Greenwood

May I ask the Leader of the House to state the Business for the next series of Sitting Days?

The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Eden)

The Business will be as follows:

First and Second Sitting Days—We propose to afford time for the Motion which stands on the Order Paper in the names of the noble Lord the Member for Horsham (Earl Winterton) and others relating to economic policy.

[That this House urges upon the Government the essential need so to direct their economic and financial policy as to ensure that employment, industry and commerce may be increased and developed after the war to the greatest possible extent, and for that purpose to co-operate to the full with other members of the United Nations.]

Third Sitting Day—Second Reading of the Agriculture (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill and the Committee stage of the necessary Money Resolution; Second Reading of the Universities and Colleges (Trusts) Bill; Committee and remaining stages of the Police (Appeals) Bill; and Motions to approve the Purchase Tax (Exemptions) (No. 5) Order and the Coal (Charges) (Amendment) (No. 3) Order.

Mr. Greenwood

Could the right hon. Gentleman say now whether he could put any time to the occasion when we might have a report of the conversations which have taken place between the President of the United States and the Prime Minister?

Mr. Eden

My right hon. Friend will understand that for obvious reasons I cannot give a date how, but I can tell him that it will be the earliest moment at which it is physically—literally physically—possible.

Mr. Tinker

When is it proposed to bring in the Old Age Pensions Bill about which the right hon. Gentleman promised last week a review was being made?

Mr. Eden

I think that the Chancellor dealt with that in reply to a Question earlier this week. It is now under review in accordance with the undertaking given, but I cannot give a date.

Mr. Tinker

Could the right hon. Gentleman give an approximate date? This indefiniteness is causing a lot of trouble, and we are under a promise that something will be given to us. Can he say whether it will be in a week or two?

Mr. Eden

The promise given by my right hon. Friend, I understand, was this Session, and that promise will be kept, I cannot give a date at the moment.

Sir Herbert Williams

Could my right hon. Friend give some explanation of what is to be the subject matter of the Debate on the first and second Sitting Days? I understand that the Noble Lord and an hon. Gentleman whose views on these matters are diverse have tabled a Motion the effect of which is not apparent to other Members. Could my right hon. Friend give some guidance, so that if one wants to make a speech one will know on what subject it should be?

Mr. Eden

I suggest that my hon. Friend should himself consult this interesting combination. What the Government have done is to provide facilities for a Motion in accordance with a desire often expressed in the House that we should provide facilities. In the discussion certain observations of, I am sure, national utility will be made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the President of the Board of Trade.

Sir H. Williams

As the Chancellor knows what it is all about, would it not help if he indicated what subjects he thinks will be discussed?

Mr. Stokes

Is my right hon. Friend able yet to give any indication when he will be able to give us an opportunity of hearing a report from the Minister of Production on his visit to the United States and to debate the whole field in regard to tank production?

Mr. Eden

No, Sir, I cannot.

Miss Ward

Could my right hon. Friend give any promise when we shall have a statement on the manacling of prisoners? The House has been very patient about this matter, and surely the time has come when we ought to be told when we can have a statement.

Mr. Eden

I agree that the House has been very patient. If the Government have asked the House to be patient, it is only because we think it is the right course to pursue in this very difficult situation, in which, I must remind the House, we are by no means masters. I hope—and I would ask the hon. Lady and the House not to take this as a promise—that it will be possible to make a statement during the next series of Sitting Days, but I can give no pledge.

Sir W. Davison

Could my right hon. Friend give any indication of the negotiations that have taken place between the International Red Cross and Germany?

Mr. Eden

At the first moment when the Government feel that the position can be usefully and fully made public, it will be done, but we must be judges of when that will be.

Sir A. Southby

When will there be an opportunity for the House to debate the all-important question of the war at sea, particularly in relation to the submarine warfare and the steps that are being taken to meet the menace with which we are faced?

Mr. Eden

That point was dealt with, I think, by the Deputy Prime Minister yesterday and, in present conditions, I can add nothing to what he then told us.