Mr. RUNCIMANMay I ask if my right hon. Friend can make any statement to the House with regard to the improved military situation since the House last met, and, if it is not convenient at the present moment to make any statement with regard to communications that have passed between the German Government and the President of the United States of America, when he expects he will be able to make some communication on that subject to the House?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWNobody understands better than my right hon. Friend how careful every Power must be at a time like this, and my own view is that probably the only time when any question of this kind should be made public is after a definite decision has been taken, and not when negotiations are going forward. It is, therefore, not possible to name a time. As regards the military situation, I am sure my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister would himself desire to make a statement on this subject to the House, but that must, I think, depend not only on calls upon his lime, but on the nature of the operations. I do not think it would be the best opportunity to do it just now while the battle is still raging.
§ Mr. HOGGEIs my right hon. Friend in a position now to state when he will be able to give a day for the consideration of the recent increased separation allowances and hear the views of the House?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWAs a matter of fact, during the Recess a Committee was appointed by the Cabinet to consider this subject. It has given its Report, and it has been considered by the Cabinet to-day. I hope, therefore, in a day or two to circulate our decision, and then, if a discussion is still desired, it will be granted.
§ Mr. HOGGECan the right hon. Gentleman say in anticipation whether the result of the Cabinet decision is an increase in the sums recently awarded?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI think my hon. Friend may assume that if there is any change it can only be an increase. I think it would be better to leave it until the decision is circulated.
§ Mr. BOOTHIs it the intention of the Government to bring in a Ministry of Health (Local Government) Bill this Session, and is my right hon. Friend aware of the great concern with which the proposal is viewed by the friendly societies!
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI should like to have notice of the question.
§ Mr. OUTHWAITEHas a date yet been fixed for the holding of a General Election?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWNo, Sir.
Mr. CHANCELLORIn view of the uncertainly of a large number of important questions being answered on Thursday, would it be possible to give a little more time for questions on that day?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat would require an alteration of the Rides.
Mr. RUNCIMANMay I ask which of the Orders on the Paper the Leader of the House wishes to take to-day?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe Midwives Bill, the Tithe Bill, the Isle of Man (Customs) Bill, and School Teachers (Superannuation) Report.
§ Mr. HOUSTONWill there be a Friday sitting?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI do not think it will be necessary.