HC Deb 21 August 1940 vol 364 cc1312-4
Mr. Lees-Smith

May I ask the Lord Privy Seal, with regard to the meeting of the House to-morrow fortnight, whether any statement the Prime Minister may make on the war situation will be made on the Motion for the Adjournment, so that Members may make any contributions they think fit? May I also give notice that, if such a Debate does not take up the greater part of the Sitting, a number of hon. Members would like to raise questions connected with the general coal problem.

Mr. Attlee

If a statement is made, it will be made on the Motion for the Adjournment, so there will be an opportunity for Debate. As regards the other point, it will be noted.

Mr. Cocks

In view of the fact that the House may only meet one day a week, will the Government consider giving extra time for Questions on that one day?

Mr. Attlee

No, Sir.

Sir Richard Acland

A new procedure seems to have been introduced which, I hope, we may have regularised. The right hon. Gentleman the Member for Keighley (Mr. Lees-Smith) gave notice, in public, that a certain number of Members wanted to raise certain questions Is that procedure to be substituted for the rather vague operation of the "usual channels" which has gone on since this present Government was formed? This seems to me to be a new departure.

Mr. Maxton

I want to point out to you, Mr. Speaker, as you are very much involved in the Adjournment procedure, and as it has been a practice in this House that Adjournment Debates should be opportunities for back benchers, that what is disturbing us is that the right hon. Gentleman seems to be giving a Front Bench intimation of an intention to take all the time available, to-morrow, on the Adjournment Motion, for the discussion of a specific subject—[HON. MEMBERS: "No!"] We want to know whether that is not a departure from the ordinary practice of this House, and whether Members who have not given notice across the Floor of the House can also have their opportunity, if time is available, to raise other subjects?

Mr. Speaker

I conclude that the hon. Member is referring to the Adjournment Debate to-morrow?

Sir R. Acland

Thursday fortnight.

Mr. Maxton

Both issues are involved.

Mr. Speaker

As regards the Motion to-morrow, it is usual that notice should be given to me of subjects which various Members wish to raise, but not across the Floor of the House. As regards the Motion for the Adjournment to-morrow fortnight, that comes under the usual rule which we have adopted since the war began.

Sir Irving Albery

Can the Lord Privy Seal say if and when the Government are to proceed with the War Savings (Determination of Needs) Bill?

Mr. Attlee

Consultation is going on in regard to that Bill, and I cannot make any statement at present.

Sir Percy Harris

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that there is very strong feeling among the people concerned —old age pensioners and people coming under public assistance—that there should be an early decision because thousands of people are affected by it? Does he realise that there is a strong feeling that this Bill should be pushed through in some form or other as soon as possible?

Mr. Attlee

The right hon. Gentleman will realise that that was why the Bill was introduced, but in view of the feelings aroused on the subject, and the lack of harmony in the House, the Bill has been deferred for consultation.

Mr. Lewis

Can the Lord Privy Seal say with whom the consultations are taking place?

Mr. Attlee

An endeavour is being made to find out the best way of fulfilling the pledge given by the former Chancellor of the Exchequer, and the Chancellor of the Exchequer is willing to receive the views of any Members who may wish to make suggestions to him.

Mr. Lewis

If the Lord Privy Seal wishes to know the opinion of the House in regard to the Bill, is not the easiest way to read the OFFICIAL REPORT?

Mr. Hicks

Will the Lord Privy Seal reconsider his answer in regard to a longer time for Questions when the House meets only once a week, in view of the fact that Questions are carefully thought out, as against many inane contributions made to Debates?

Mr. Attlee

We will consider that when it happens that the House meets only once a week.