HC Deb 13 September 1939 vol 351 cc651-2
Mr. Arthur Greenwood

May I ask the Prime Minister whether he can make a statement as to the course of business?

The Prime Minister

I think it will meet the convenience of the House if the Adjournment is moved immediately after Questions. I shall then make my general statement on the present situation. Afterwards, I understand, the Opposition desire to raise questions affecting the Ministry of Information and the Ministry of Supply. We then desire to obtain the second, third, and fourth Orders on the Paper. I presume that the House will not wish to sit late this evening, and I, therefore, hope that the Debate on the Adjournment will be concluded by such time as will allow us to take the Second Readings of the three Bills to which I have referred. The House will meet tomorrow at the usual hour of 2.45 p.m., when we shall take the Second Reading of the Control of Employment Bill and consider outstanding business. On Friday, we shall meet at Eleven o'clock in the morning and take the remaining stages of the Control of Employment Bill.

Mr. Stephen

On the Motion for the Adjournment, will it be possible to have some discussion also on evacuation, in view of the difficulties which have arisen in many districts and the need for something being done to relieve the situation?

The Prime Minister

The hon. Member will appreciate that it is not for me to say what is in order on the Adjournment.

Mr. McGovern

May I make a representation to the Prime Minister about the very serious state of affairs existing in many parts of Scotland, where women and children have been lying on concrete floors and in outhouses and have not been properly fed, with the result that there has been wholesale return to their homes in great dissatisfaction; and ask whether he thinks a situation of that kind does not call for urgent consideration and Debate?

Mr. Stephen

On a point of Order. Will it be possible on the Adjournment to deal with some of the points relating to evacuation?

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member knows quite well that on the Motion for the Adjournment almost anything may be raised which does not need legislation to deal with it.

Mr. Garro Jones

On business, does the Prime Minister recollect that the question was raised whether the House will, for the convenience of hon. Members, sit at Twelve o'Clock on everyday, and has any decision been arrived at on that point?

The Prime Minister

This is a matter which has been discussed through the usual channels. I understand that the arrangement arrived at is that, for the present, we shall carry on as usual.