HC Deb 11 November 1943 vol 393 cc1283-4
47. Captain Cunningham-Reid

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any statement to make on the proposals contained in the Motions standing on the Order Paper, in the names of the hon. Member for Marylebone and others, relating to Standing Order No. 1 and Business of the House, in order to secure more time for Private Members?

[That Standing Order No. 1 be amended by inserting in paragraph (2), line 9, at end, the words "in which event Mr. Speaker shall adjourn the House without Question put half an hour after the Proceedings so exempted have been concluded.]

[That, in the opinion of this House, the curtailment of Private Members' privileges and Private Members' time during the war renders it necessary, either to provide one extra day each week the House is sitting for the purpose solely of enabling matters to be raised by Private Members upon a Motion for the Adjournment or to amend the Standing Orders so as to provide an opportunity for at least a half-hour's Debate upon the Adjournment at every sitting.]

The Prime Minister

My attention has been drawn to the Motions to which the hon. and gallant Member refers. The Government desire that Private Members should have reasonable facilities for raising matters on the Adjournment and will consider proposals with this object in view at the beginning of next Session.

Captain Cunningham-Reid

Is the Prime Minister aware that his encouraging reply will give hopeful satisfaction to many Members of this House, especially to back benchers?

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