HC Deb 31 July 1936 vol 315 cc1889-902

Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House, at its rising this day, do adjourn till Thursday, 29th October; provided that if it is represented to Mr. Speaker by His Majesty's Government that the public interest requires that the House should meet at any earlier time during the Adjournment, and Mr. Speaker is satisfied that the public interest does so require, he may give notice that he is so satisfied, and thereupon the House shall meet at the time stated in such notice and the Government Business to be transacted on the day on which the House shall so meet shall, subject to the publication of notice thereof in the Order Paper to be circulated on the day on which the House shall so meet, be such as the Government may appoint, but subject as aforesaid the House shall transact its business as if it had been duly adjourned to the day on which it shall so meet, and any Government Orders of the Day and Government Notices of Motions that may stand on the Order Book for the 29th day of October or any subsequent day shall be appointed for the day on which the House shall so meet."—[Sir J. Simon.]

11.16 a.m.

Mr. TINKER

Before you put the Question, Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask for your guidance. In the Motion it is stated that if it is felt by His Majesty's Government that the public interest requires that the House should meet at any earlier time during the Adjournment, and Mr. Speaker is satisfied that the public interest does so require, he may give notice that he is so satisfied, and thereupon the House shall meet at the time stated in such notice. May I ask you the following question? If the Opposition feel that the public interest requires that some question should be raised, such as the new Regulations which have been passed and which will come into operation in November next—if public feeling is stirred to a great depth, as I understand it will be—could the Opposition ask you to call the House together? I should be glad if you would tell me what powers the Opposition have in such a matter. Is it left to the Government to determine whether the House shall be called together, with your consent, or have the Opposition any voice in the matter?

Mr. SPEAKER

The Opposition would have to apply, in the first instance, to the Government. The Government, on their behalf, would put the question to me, and if I was so satisfied, the House would be called together.

Question put, and agreed to.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That this House do now adjourn."—[Captain Margesson.]

    cc1890-902
  1. FOREIGN AFFAIRS. 4,950 words