45. Mr. V. Adamsasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that sympathies in this House with the Jewish and Arab sides in the Palestine question are by no means divided according to party alignments; that in the forthcoming Debate on Palestine a number of Members of all parties will wish to be heard; that ii the Debate is limited to one day opportunity will be available only to Members of the Front Benches, Privy Councilors, ex-Ministers, and a few back bench Members; and whether he will therefore, to ensure a wider and more representative Debate, allow at least two days of Parliamentary time to the discussion?
§ The Prime MinisterPerhaps my hon. Friend would be good enough to await the statement which I propose to make at the end of Questions.
§ Mr. Attlee(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister when the White Paper regarding policy in Palestine will be published, and vhether it is intended to make arrangements for an early Debate?
§ The Prime MinisterThe White Paper will be published on Wednesday, 17th May, and will be available in the Vote Office at 7 p.m. on that date. It is proposed to arrange for a Debate before the Whitsuntide Recess, but, in view of the congested state of Parliamentary business, it will not be possible to allot more than one day to the Debate.
§ Mr. AttleeWill the right hon. Gentleman reconsider that point? There is a very widespread interest in this most important subject in all quarters of the House, and it seems that, largely, the final word does not lie with His Majesty's Government, but with the international body at Geneva; and surely they should have an opportunity of getting a very full view of what the House thinks on the matter?
§ Sir A. SinclairIn view of the strong feeling in all parts of the House, and the large number of Members who would wish to take part in the Debate, I hope that the Prime Minister will consider giving us at least two days for the Debate.
§ The Prime MinisterI am in rather a dilemma on this matter. I quite recognise that there is a great deal of interest in it, and that many hon. Members might wish to express views on it; but, on the other hand, we have a Parliamentary programme before us which is in a very congested condition, and it is extremely difficult to see how we can work every thing in.
§ Mr. GallacherCut down the Recess.
§ Mr. MacquistenMake shorter speeches.
§ Mr. CrossleyAs almost every Privy Councillor on the back benches happens to take one side in the Debate, I wonder whether it would not be possible for the Prime Minister to consider the allocation of Friday of this week plus Monday, or one day of next week, for the Debate?
§ The Prime MinisterPerhaps my hon. Friend would await the further statement I am going to make directly.
Mr. V. AdamsIs it essential to conclude this Debate before the Whitsuntide Recess? Would my right hon. Friend bear in mind the suggestions contained in my Question 45 to-day?
§ The Prime MinisterThe hon. Member asked me whether I would give two days. 995 That is a question that I have already answered. I do not think I have anything further to say.
Mr. AdamsI think, with all respect, that the Prime Minister misapprehended me. The purpose of the question just now was to ask whether it was necessary to have this Debate concluded before that date.
§ The Prime MinisterI have endeavoured to explain that we have such a congested programme that we have no spare time at our disposal.
§ Mr. GallacherIs the Prime Minister aware that on Scottish days speeches are limited to 15 minutes?
§ Mr. R. AclandWould the Prime Minister consider whether we could not suspend the Eleven o'Clock Rule and go on?
§ Mr. AttleeWould the Prime Minister consider whether the matter could not be discussed through the usual channels, with a view to finding a way out?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir, I shall be very glad to do that.
§ Mr. Attlee(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister whether an opportunity can be given for a Debate on the pay and allowances of the militia during the present week, and whether he can announce the business to be taken on Friday?
§ The Prime MinisterSupplementary Estimates for the Defence Services have been presented, and will be circulated to Members to-morrow morning. Conversations have taken place through the usual channels, and arrangements made for these Estimates to be debated on an Allotted Supply Day on Wednesday. As a result of this re-arrangement of business, it is necessary for the Committee stage of the Reserve Forces Bill to be taken to-morrow on the conclusion of the Committee stage of the Military Training Bill. I shall move the necessary amendments to the Time-table Motion at a later stage to-day.
This re-arrangement of business, which has been agreed to through the usual channels will, I am afraid, necessitate a 996 further postponement of the Civil Defence Bill. I was not able to be in my place at Question Time on Thursday, but I have made myself aware of the views which expressed on both sides of the House as to the desirability of proceeding with the Civil Defence Bill. The Government would like to conclude the Committee stage of this Bill as early as possible, and I would invite the co-operation of hon. Members in all parts of the House in an endeavour to complete this stage before we adjourn for Whitsun.
The business on Friday will be: Supply: Committee (6th Allotted Day—1st part). The Foreign Office Vote will be put down in order to discuss the international situation.
§ Mr. AttleeWhen will the White Paper which, I understand, will be issued in regard to pay and allowances of the militia, be available, and when will he Supplementary Estimate be available?
§ The Prime MinisterUnder this procedure no White Paper will be necessary, because, as I stated, there will be a Supplementary Estimate circulated to Members to-morrow morning. That will, of course, contain all the necessary information about the pay and allowances proposed.