HC Deb 02 November 1944 vol 404 cc963-5
Mr. Arthur Greenwood

May I ask the Deputy Prime Minister to state the Business for next week?

Mr. Attlee

The Business for next week will be as follows:

On Tuesday we shall take the Committee and remaining stages of the Pro- longation of Parliament Bill, and Motions to approve the Fish Sales (Charges) (No. 2) Order and Potatoes (1944 Crop) (Charges) Order.

On Wednesday and Thursday there will be a Debate on the Proposals for an Industrial Injury Insurance Scheme, which will arise on the Government Motion which stands on the Paper.

On Friday we shall take the Second Reading of the Ministry of Social Insurance Bill. This is a machinery Bill, to set up the new Ministry of Social Insurance. We propose to present the Bill to-morrow, and arrangements have been made for copies to be available in the Vote Office later the same day.

Mr. Buchanan

Who will take charge of the Debate on the proposals for workmen's compensation—the Prime Minister or the Home Secretary?

Mr. Attlee

The Home Secretary.

Mr. Buchanan

Why is the Home Secretary taking charge on this occasion?

Mr. Attlee

It has hitherto been a Home Office matter.

Captain Prescott

May I refer to the Motion to suspend the Rule for one hour this evening?

Mr. Speaker

I must warn the hon. and gallant Member that this Motion is not amendable or debatable. Therefore we cannot debate it by questions in advance. The Government have taken the responsibility of putting it in on the Order Paper, and the only remedy the hon. and gallant Member has is to divide against it.

Captain Prescott

Would it not be in Order to make a submission to the Deputy Prime Minister?

Mr. Speaker

I have said that the Motion cannot be amended or debated.

Mr. Ivor Thomas

In view of the serious comments made by the Committee on Public Accounts, on control of expenditure by the British Council, will the House have an opportunity of debating the matter?

Mr. Attlee

I have not had an opportunity of considering it. I would like to consider it first.

Mr. Austin Hopkinson

In view of the much more serious comments on the system of open-cast mining, might we have a Debate on that?

Mr. Attlee

There might be an opportunity on the Adjournment—I cannot say.

Mr. Tinker

On the extension of time to-day, I do not think that the House has been treated fairly.

Mr. Speaker

It cannot be debated; thosè are our Rules.

Captain Prescott

Even though it may have no effect, and while I do not wish to debate this Motion, would I be in Order in making an appeal to the Deputy Prime Minister for his consideration, whatever the effects of that consideration might be?

Mr. Buchanan

Would it be in Order to ask the Deputy Prime Minister to withdraw this Motion? That would leave it open to the Government to take steps at a later stage.

Mr. Speaker

If he withdraws the Motion, no other Motion can be moved.

Commander King-Hall

Is it anticipated that the Debate on currency will take place before the end of the Session?

Mr. Attlee

I do not think so.

Captain Cobb

Is the House to have an opportunity of returning to the old hours of sitting, or something like them?

Mr. Attlee

That might be considered next Session.