§ The PRIME MINISTERWe propose to proceed with the Supplementary Estimates, and it may be for the convenience of the House if I specify the order in which we propose to put them down.
Monday: Board of Control; Registrar General's Office; Stationery and Printing; Office of Works and Public Buildings; Mines Department and Royal Commissions. We shall then proceed with Votes not already disposed of in Classes 3, 4,5,6 and 7.
Tuesday: The Ministry of Agriculture Vote will be the first Order taken, followed by the Board of Trade Vote, the Vote for the Department of Overseas Trade and other Votes on the Paper.
Wednesday: Until 8.15 p.m., further consideration of Supplementary Estimates in Committee and on Report, and other Orders.
Thursday: Discussion of the new Anglo-Iraq Treaty, and, if time permit, other Orders on the Paper.
§ The PRIME MINISTERI cannot commit myself, but I very much hope that that will not be necessary. The 1244 hon. and gallant Member knows as well as I do that Supplementary Estimates have to be passed by a certain date, and if sufficient progress is not made I shall be compelled to move the suspensiou of the Eleven o'clock Rule.
Captain BENNWill the right hon. Gentleman see that two important matters, the Unemployment Belief Grants and the Increase of Customs Vote on account of the new Duties, are taken at a reasonable time of day?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIf it be necessary to suspend the Eleven o'clock Rule, I shall certainly consult through the usual channels, and I will see that a Vote of solid importance, such as the one mentioned, shall be an early Order on any day.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYWhen does the right hon. Gentleman propose to take the discussion on the Anglo-Italian Debt settlement?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat is a question which I certainly could not answer without notice. As I said the other day, I had understood it was to be taken as a Liberal Amendment on Monday last, but another subject was chosen. I cannot say at, this moment, without consideration, when the next opportunity will arise to discuss it.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYTime will be given. I take it?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI must consider that suggestion. I certainly had hoped that, it would have been discussed on Monday.
§ Mr. STEPHENDid the right hon. Gentleman not give us an assurance that there would be a discussion at an early date?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIf I put it as strongly as that, I am afraid that I was under the very definite impression—it may prove to be wrong—that it was to be the subject of debate last Monday, in the Debate on the Address, but, as I have said, I will consider what can be done in the matter.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that during the general discussion on the Address a number of speeches were made 1245 on the subject, by the hon. Member for Ilford (Sir F. Wise) and other hon. Members, of whom I was one—I was not the only speaker on this side—and we put certain questions to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, who did not honour us by attending the Debate, and we have had no kind of reply from him? Is this sort of matter to be left without discussion and answer in this House?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe Chancellor of the Exchequer was labouring under the same misapprehension as I was. He was very anxious to make a considered statement, and, as a matter of fact, had prepared material at that time in the hope that the Debate would take place on the Address on the Monday.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that we were given to understand that a reply world be made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer at a certain time? That was arranged through the usual channels, and far some reason the Chancellor of the Exchequer found himself unable to give his reply to the House. Is that treating the House and the country fairly?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI will take the matter into consideration, but I cannot answer without notice.
§ Mr. STEPHENDo we understand from the Prime Minister that he is withdrawing his positive assurance that there would be an early discussion? Can I have an answer? I have put a curteons question to the right hon. Gentleman.
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have no wish to prevent any hon. Member from drawing his own conclusions.