Mr. ARTHUR HENDERSONMay I ask the Prime Minister whether he has any statement to make with regard to business; and also when he hopes to bring this part of the Session to an end?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe National Economy Bill has passed this House, and by the end of the present week we hope to obtain the Finance Bill and the necessary Supplementary Estimates. The only business in view at the moment which will then remain to be disposed of before this Session can be brought to an end, is the Consolidated Fund (Appropriation) Bill and the Sunday Performances (Temporary Regulation) Bill. It would appear quite feasible for this business to be concluded by Wednesday next. The programme then would be:
Monday, 5th October: Sunday Performances Bill, Second Reading.
Tuesday, 6th October: Sunday Performances Bill, Committee and Third Reading; and the Consolidated Fund (Appropriation) Bill, Second Reading.
Wednesday, 7th October: Consolidated Fund (Appropriation) Bill, remaining stages.
There will also be a short Bill to deal with the possibility of exploitation of the public in articles of food of general consumption. I feel that this will meet with general approval and will not require much Parliamentary time. If any additional business is necessary, an announcement will be made later.
Mr. HENDERSONMay I ask two questions? First, when is the Bill for dealing with food prices likely to be available to Members Secondly, is it hoped that the House will adjourn on Wednesday or prorogue?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe House will certainly adjourn on Wednesday according to our expectation. If there is any additional business, we think it can be worked in for Wednesday. With reference to the Food Prices Bill we hope that it will be circulated to-morrow. I might also say that the Sunday Performances Bill has been circulated to Members.
Mr. HENDERSONMay I ask the Prime Minister whether, if we adjourn on Wednesday, he can give the House any idea as to when the House will resume?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI think that, if the question that is usual at the end of the Session is put to me on that subject on Wednesday, I shall be able to inform the House. I find that the Bill dealing with food prices will be available to-morrow evening.
§ Mr. HOFFMANMay I ask when it is proposed to take the Expiring Laws Continuance Bill?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat will be later on.
§ Mr. STEPHENCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is to be provision in the Bill indicated in connection with prices for dealing with the question of rent, in view of the fact that rent is so heavy a burden upon the unemployed workers?
§ The PRIME MINISTERWe are dealing with food in this Bill, but that is certainly under observation.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODI would like to ask the Prime Minister if he will not relieve the House by telling us if there is going to be a General Election?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI was really under the impression that the way that I answered my right hon. Friend's question greatly relieved the House.
§ Mr. G. HARDIEIn view of what has taken place by legislation in this last week, and of the intense suffering that will be caused by the cuts in unemployment pay, has the Prime Minister seen his way to become once more human and take back these cuts on the unemployed?