HC Deb 05 April 1921 vol 140 cc115-7
Mr. A. HENDERSON

May I ask the Leader of the House if he will inform us as to the whole of the business for tomorrow, and give the House some guidance as to the procedure that the Government propose to follow in this Sitting? On the Order Paper there is the Emergency Powers Act, 1920 (Proclamation). I understand that the Government do not desire a full and general discussion to take place on that item, but rather on the notice that the Home Secretary has on the Order Paper. It is essential that we should know that the full right of debate is going to be preserved, because we are presented here with a very long list of items included in these Regulations, and I should like the Leader of the House, when replying, to say how far, if they adopt the system of discussion to which I have referred, we will be in a position to take these items separately, and, if necessary, move Amendments?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

To-morrow, we propose to take the postponed Financial Resolution on the Key Industries Bill, the Second Readings of the Public Health (Tuberculosis) Bill and the Housing Bill, and make further progress with the Army and Air Force (Annual) Bill.

On Thursday, as already announced, we propose to take the Motion for moving Mr. Speaker out of the Chair on the Civil Service Estimates, the remaining stages of the Army and Air Force (Annual) Bill, and any business not completed to-morrow.

As regards to-day's procedure, I propose, first of all, to move formally the Resolution acknowledging His Majesty's Most Gracious Message. Then my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer will move the Motion which stands on the Order Paper in the name of my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary, and I submit to you, Sir, that a general discussion on the policy adopted would be in order upon that Resolution; that is to say, perhaps you will, in answer to my right hon. Friend's question, indicate what are the limits of the discussion.

Sir D. MACLEAN

When you reply, Sir, perhaps you will kindly inform me whether in your view it is within the ambit of the powers of the House to make Amendments to these Regulations now before us.

Mr. SPEAKER

I think there would be, obviously, a general discussion upon this Motion made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and then after a reasonable time I should be prepared to accept Amendments for discussion. The House being asked to continue certain Regulations in force need not necessarily continue them all. The House ought to have an opportunity of pronouncing upon them, and the proper way would be by Amendment.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

As to the business, may I ask the Leader of the House whether, if the discussion should be so carried out that it is obvious that many Members wish to take part—[HON. MEMBERS "Hear, hear!"]— I do not wish to take part—[HON. MEMBERS: "Oh!"]— the right hon. Gentleman will consider giving a second day to the dis- cussion? The Prime Minister yesterday, it will be remembered, said that the Government wanted the general guidance of the House. On these occasions it is usual for only the Front Benches to get a look-in. If that should be the case here will the right hon. Gentleman consider giving a Second Reading day in view of the great importance of the matter?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I think the Government must press the House to come to a decision on this matter to-day. The title of the Resolution shows that it is an emergency one and of great urgency, and it is necessary, therefore, that the opinion of the House should be declared at once.

Mr. LYLE-SAMUEL

Will the right hon. Gentleman kindly tell the House— having mentioned the Financial Resolution in reference to the Key Industries Bill— on what day will it be taken? May I say that I ask not merely on behalf of Members on this side of the House, but also on behalf of that pathetic figure, the hon. Member for Chippenham (Mr. G. Terrell), who has been for so long dis-appointed?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I cannot name a day. The House will recognise that the conduct of Government business, and the progress of it is necessarily affected by the changes which have followed the regrettable illness of the late Lord Privy Seal. My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer is overwhelmed with work and responsibility at the present time. I am quite sure the House will not consider it unreasonable that he should ask for a little breathing time.