HC Deb 23 May 1939 vol 347 cc2072-3
45. Mr. Batey

asked the Prime Minister whether, owing to the many late sittings of the House, he will take the necessary steps to have the House to meet earlier in the day?

The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Sir John Simon)

No, Sir.

Mr. Batey

Is not the right hon. Gentleman prepared to take the opinion of hon. Members of the House on this matter?

Sir J. Simon

The hon. Member will perhaps recollect that this question has been examined very closely; indeed, it was examined during the term of office of the Government of 1930, and it was found that it would be very inconvenient.

Mr. Batey

But are not things going worse? Are we not getting more late siatings than ever we did in 1930?

Mr. Thorne

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that when I first came into the House we used to meet at 2 o'clock?

Mr. Leach

Can the right hon. Gentleman do something about the almost permanent suspension of the Eleven o'clock Rule?

Sir J. Simon

I do not think that is the case. My memory goes back, like the hon. Member for Plaistow (Mr. Thorne), a long way, and the suspension of the Eleven o'clock Rule took place then quite as often as it does now.