HC Deb 12 December 1939 vol 355 cc1030-1
Mr. Attlee

May I ask the Prime Minister whether he has any statement to make to the House concerning business?

The Prime Minister

I presume the right hon. Gentleman means the business today. After we have disposed of the Expiring Laws Continuance Bill, the Postponement of Enactments Bill and the Draft Unemployment Assistance Amendment Regulation, we desire to obtain the Committee stage of the Gas and Steam Vehicles (Excise Duties) Resolution, and for this purpose the Eleven o' Clock Rule is being suspended. This is only a precautionary measure. We also intend tonight to move the Motion for the appointment of the Select Committee on National Expenditure.

I might take this opportunity of informing the House of the preliminary Business which we desire to obtain before the Secret Sitting begins to-morrow. We would like to obtain the Report stage of the Ways and Means Resolution with regard to the reduction of motor taxation for vehicles using gas. The Bill could then be brought in and be ready for Second Reading after the Recess.

I am informed that a Motion to approve the Newcastle-under-Lyme Gas Order is being handed in to-day. The Order is unopposed and ordinarily it would have come before the House at the end of the sitting. I hope that the House will agree to dispose of these two items at the beginning of Business to-morrow.

Ordered, That the Proceedings on Government Business be exempted at this day's Sitting from the provisions of the Standing Order (Sittings of the House)."— [The Prime Minister.]