§ 45. Mr. E. Smithasked the Prime Minister whether he has now given consideration to the Notices of Motions for which no days have been fixed; will he arrange for the Members interested to be consulted, and in particular, has he given consideration to the Motion in the name of the hon. and gallant Member for Blackburn (Captain Elliston) and other Members; and is it intended to take any action?
§ [That this House would welcome revision of the amount and conditions of existing pensions with a view to their extension, and urges the Government to take into special consideration the claim of spinsters for their pensions at an earlier age.]
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury (Captain Margesson)I have been asked to reply. I would refer the hon. Member to the statement made by the Prime Minister yesterday on outstanding Business. I am afraid that in the circumstances my right hon. Friend cannot afford special opportunity for the discussion of any of the Motions referred to.
§ Mr. TinkerIf the right hon. and gallant Gentleman has time, will he take the subject into consideration?
§ Captain MargessonI do not think I can add anything to the very full statement which the Prime Minister made yesterday in regard to the Parliamentary programme.
§ Mr. TinkerWould it not be far better if the Government would face the issue straight and not play with it?