HC Deb 27 March 1935 vol 299 cc1912-3
Mr. ATTLEE

(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister whether there will be an opportunity for this House to consider the Polish Trade Agreement and when it will be possible for the Foreign Secretary to make a statement on the Berlin discussions?

The PRIME MINISTER

In regard to the Polish Trade Agreement, I have been informed that there is very considerable likelihood that the Government business on Friday may be finished before the ordinary time for the House to adjourn, and I propose to give the House an opportunity of discussing a Motion which is on the Paper in the name of the hon. Member for South Croydon (Mr. H. Williams) dealing with the subject of that agreement. Regarding the second question, perhaps the hon. Member would put it to me to-morrow. The Foreign Secretary has not yet arrived, and I have had no opportunity of consulting him.

Mr. PIKE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Motion in the name of the hon. Member for South Croydon (Mr. H. Williams) is of vast importance to many industries in this country and justifies a much longer period of discussion than half an hour or an hour after the main business on Friday is dispensed with? Will the right hon. Gentleman reconsider this matter?

Mr. MAXTON

With reference to the Prime Minister's expression of the hope that there will be time to discuss the Polish Trade Agreement on Friday, may I ask if there is any understanding to the effect that the Committee stage of the Array and Air Force (Annual) Bill, which usually occupies an extended period of time, will be finished in the very short time available on Friday? Should this hope as regards the Bill not be realised, will an early opportunity be given otherwise for the discussion of the Polish Trade Agreement?

The PRIME MINISTER

I will see on Friday. The hope has been held out, though there is no agreement, that Government business may be finished before four o'clock.

Mr. PIKE

May we take it that, if there is time on Friday for other business, the discussion of the Polish Trade Agreement must come on?

The PRIME MINISTER

I will consider the circumstances.