HC Deb 11 July 1940 vol 362 cc1346-8
Mr. Lees-Smith

May I ask the Lord Privy Seal what the business will be for next week?

Mr. Attlee

The business will be as follows:—

Tuesday: Second Reading of the Emergency Powers (Defence) (No. 2) Bill; and in view of the urgency we shall ask the House to consider the Committee and remaining stages on the same day. Committee and remaining stages of the Consolidated Fund (No. 2) Bill. Motion to approve the Timber (Charges) (No. 1) Order, and the Sulphate of Ammonia (Charges) Order. Committee and remaining stages of the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Bill [Lords], and of the Confirmation of Executors (War Service) (Scotland) Bill [Lorck].

Wednesday: Supply (19th Allotted day); Committee, Scottish Estimates, Agriculture.

Thursday: Supply (20th Allotted day); Report, Ministry of Food.

At 10 o'clock on Wednesday and Thursday, the Committee and Report stages, respectively, of all outstanding Supply Votes will be put from the Chair.

Mr. Maxton

I wonder whether the right hon. Gentleman would see whether a Supply Day could be provided on which the House might discuss the reports of the Select Committee on National Expenditure, which has sat for the duration of the war and has issued some seven or eight reports which the House has had no opportunity of considering?

Mr. Attlee

An opportunity for that discussion could not be found on a Supply Day, because the last of the Supply Days is next week; but an opportunity will be found. Perhaps the hon. Member will see me about it.

Sir T. Moore

Could the right hon. Gentleman indicate when the Purchase Tax will be considered?

Mr. Attlee

I have no information to give on that point.

Mr. Lipson

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Government are considering the withdrawal of the Purchase Tax Bill?

Mr. Cocks

May I ask when the House will be given the opportunity of having a full and free Debate upon the international situation, as promised by the Prime Minister a fortnight ago, not in secret session, but in open session?

Mr. Attlee

I do not think any promise was given of a discussion on the international situation. The Prime Minister said there would be a full Debate on the war situation and that it could be made in whatever conditions the House preferred, whether secret or public.

Mr. Davidson

On one of the Supply Days will facilities be given to deal with the question of civil, judicial and hereditary pensions, so that the House may have an opportunity of discussing them?

Mr. Attlee

That question will not arise on any Vote in Supply.

Ordered, That this day, notwithstanding anything in Standing Order No. 14, Business other than the Business of Supply may be taken before Eleven of the Clock."—[Mr. Attlee.]

Resolved, That this House, at its rising this day, do adjourn till Tuesday next."—[Mr. Attlee.]