HC Deb 22 July 1937 vol 326 cc2411-2
Mr. Attlee

May I ask the Prime Minister what will be the business for next week?

The Prime Minister

Monday: Supply, Committee (19th Allotted Day). The Mines Department Vote will be considered. Ways and Means, Committee.

Tuesday: Supply, Report (20th Allotted Day). A Debate will take place on the Co-ordination of Defence. Ways and Means, Report.

Wednesday: Consolidated Fund (Appropriation) Bill, Second Reading. A Debate on the cost of living will take place.

Thursday: Consolidated Fund (Appropriation) Bill, remaining stages. Debates will take place on Dominion Affairs and on questions affecting the Post Office.

At Ten o'clock on Monday and on Tuesday the Committee and Report stages respectively of all outstanding Supply Votes will be put from the Chair.

During the week any outstanding business will be dealt with, including Lords Amendments to the Factories Bill and to other Bills which have already been passed by this House.

If all necessary business has been disposed of, it is hoped to take the Motion for the Summer Adjournment on Friday, 30th July. The Adjournment Motion will contain the usual provision to empower Mr. Speaker, on representations being made by the Government, to call the House together at an earlier date, if such a course should appear necessary in the public interest.

The Government propose that the House shall reassemble on Thursday, 21st October. It is expected that Parliament will be prorogued on that day, and that His Majesty will open the new Session on Tuesday, 26th October.

Mr. Thurtle

On the point of calling the House together, if necessary, before the date appointed, may we take it that the procedure is for the Prime Minister to approach you, Mr. Speaker, in the matter, in order to make such an arrangement if necessary; or who is to indicate when it is necessary for Parliament to be called together before the prearranged time?

Mr. Speaker

Anybody can indicate that, but the terms of the Resolution are: if it is represented to me by the Government that public interest requires it and I am satisfied that it is in the public interest.

Sir Archibald Sinclair

Would the Prime Minister say at what time the House will adjourn on the Friday? Will it be at Four o'clock?

The Prime Minister

At Four o'clock.

Mr. Buchanan

May I give notice to you, Mr. Speaker, that, on the Motion for Adjournment on Friday week, I shall move as an Amendment to it that the House can be recalled by any 40 Members of the House making a requisition to you?