HC Deb 24 October 1939 vol 352 cc1193-4
47. Miss Wilkinson

asked the Prime Minister whether he can arrange a day on which questions to the Minister of Shipping will have precedence?

48. Mr. J. Morgan

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the temporary discontinuance of Monday sittings of Parliament, alternative arrangements can be made for questions to be dealt with by the Minister of Agriculture at a time likely to ensure such questions being reached?

The Prime Minister

I realise the difficulties in regard to oral questions, but I would remind the House that we are working under unusual conditions. I desire, however, to meet the convenience of hon. Members as far as possible and suggest that the order of questions should be considered through the usual channels.

Miss Wilkinson

Are not questions to the Ministry of Shipping a special case in view of the fact that it is a new Ministry dealing with a vital industry; and in view of the fact that the present Minister at his first interview with the shipowners very largely handed the Ministry over to them, is it not necessary that there should be some public control so far as questions from Members can get information?

Sir T. Moore

On a point of Order. As the House is normally entitled to five hours' questions a week, would it not be possible to increase the time permitted to questions on the three days on which we are sitting so that all Members can question the Government on those subjects in which the country and the House are particularly interested?

Mr. Speaker

I doubt very much whether the House would agree with that view.

Mr. Benjamin Smith

Having regard to the fact that the Minister of Shipping has now appointed an adviser in the shape of a shipowner, and that his Parliamentary Private Secretary is also a shipowner, will the Prime Minister agree to appoint a representative of the workpeople also to advise the Minister?

The Prime Minister

That is a different question. If the hon. Member will put it down I will try to give him an answer.