§ Mr. RAMSAY MacDONALDThe point I wish to put to the House perhaps had better be put in the form of a request for your guidance, Sir, on the matter of business to-day. The practice has been, I think, when we discuss these Regulations issued under the Emergency Powers Act, that the discussion of the details of the Regulations should be preceded by a general Debate. That means in the present instance that we should begin 5 straight away with a general discussion upon the coal situation and the state in which the country finds itself now. Might I ask you, Sir, in view of the fact that there are certain conferences to be held and some exploration being made regarding the situation, whether it would be in order to vary the proceedings a little with this intention, that instead of beginning our deliberations with a general survey of the situation, we might end our deliberations by a general survey, and that to-day, instead of taking a general Debate, we should take the details of the Ordinance and, after we have accomplished that work, finish with a general survey of the situation. It would mean, I suppose, that the whole House would have to consent to taking the Ordinance in detail, in Committee stage as it were, to-day instead of to-morrow, but I should put the question first of all in this form, asking on a point of Order whether it is possible that the business should be so varied, and under what conditions it would be possible. I understand through the usual channels that the various parties in the House would have no objection if it be possible that that variation should take place.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat could be done if it be the wish of the House. I should raise no objection to the procedure of taking the Regulations to-day, and then having a general discussion to-morrow on the Motion for the Adjournment, when the general question of policy could be dealt with.
§ Captain WEDGWOOD BENNWould you, Sir, say a word to prevent this becoming a precedent, because already we have forgone the humble Address, which gives an opportunity for a general discussion. If you could add a word to ensure for the future the right of a general discussion when this Resolution is put before the House, it would prevent this occasion being made a precedent.
§ Mr. SPEAKERI took care to safeguard the situation by saying, if it were the wish of the House, and no objection was taken in any quarter.
§ Commander BELLAIRSCould we have a clear understanding as to what time we shall reach the general discussion?
§ Mr. SPEAKERI understand that we shall devote to-morrow's sitting to the discussion of the general situation.