HC Deb 23 February 1939 vol 344 cc573-7
Mr. Attlee

May I ask the Prime Minister to state the business for next week:

The Prime Minister

The business will be:

Monday—Second Reading of the Defence Loans Bill; Report and Third Reading of the Bacon Industry (Amendment) Bill.

Tuesday and Wednesday—Committee stage of Supplementary Estimates for the Privy Seal Office; Air-Raid Precautionary Services, and Ministry of Labour (National Service), and Report and Third Reading of the Cancer Bill.

Thursday—Committee stage of the Defence Loans Bill; consideration of outstanding Supplementary Estimates in Committee and on Report.

Friday—Consideration of Private Members' Bills.

On any day, if there is time, other Orders may be taken.

I would like to add, in connection with to-day's business, that we hope to make

good progress with the Supplementary Estimates before eleven o'clock. It is proposed to suspend the Eleven o'Clock Rule, in order to take the Committee stage of the Bacon Industry (Amendment) Bill, after which we propose to take the third Order on the Paper, namely, Ways and Means Resolution [21st February], Report stage, which is exempted business.

Mr. Wedgwood Benn

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the Government contemplate completing the Committee and Report stages of these Supplementary Estimates, next week?

The Prime Minister

No, Sir.

Mr. E. Smith

As these Supplementary Estimates deal with air-raid precautions, can they not be presented to the House in such a way as to enable a wide discussion on the question, in order that the views of local authorities; and of big industrialists can be stated?

The Prime Minister

It is not for me to decide that matter, but I have no doubt that it can be raised by the hon. Member if he so desires, on the appropriate occasion.

Mr. H. Morrison

May we take it that, as far as the Prime Minister is concerned, there is no objection to the Debate being wide and comprehensive?

The Prime Minister

Yes, if that is the wish of hon. Members.

Motion made, and Question put,

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

The House divided: Ayes, 237; Noes, 118.

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