HC Deb 06 June 1930 vol 239 cc2557-8
Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman the Acting Leader of the House what business he proposes to put down on the Wednesday after we resume?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. T. Kennedy)

As already announced, Wednesday, the 18th of June, will be the thirteenth Supply Day. The Vote will be that of the Ministry of Labour.

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

I hope the hon. Gentleman understands that we desire the discussion to be taken on a Vote, which will allow us to make it as wide as is consonant with the rules of Supply. The kind of discussion which we contemplate is not a purely Departmental discussion, since other Departments are interested. I do not know whether he has considered putting down, as was suggested by the Prime Minister himself, the salary of the Prime Minister when it is desired to raise the general policy as exemplified in the administration of the Government.

Mr. KENNEDY

That has been considered, and, as I am advised, the Ministry of Labour Vote will afford scope for the debate desired. The scope of the debate will, of course, be governed by the Ruling of the Chair, but, subject to that, the Government do not desire to evade the wider discussion which the right hon. Gentleman desires.

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

Since the House last discussed this question considerable changes have taken place in the arrangements of the Government affecting the whole of the administrative scheme which they had established for dealing with the question of unemployment. Provided it is well understood that the Ministry of Labour Vote will enable us to discuss the new situation created by those changes, I am content, but, if not, I hope that the hon. Gentleman will, in concert with my right hon. Friend on this side consider, if it should prove to be too narrow an issue, whether we might not propose to report Progress and continue the discussion on a larger Motion.

Mr. CLYNES

May I, in reply, express the view that yesterday the Prime Minister answered in terms which would in no sense narrow the discussion desired by the Opposition on the question of employment.