HC Deb 25 July 1940 vol 363 cc977-8
46. Mr. Kirkwood

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the necessity that all the people should feel that the burdens of this war are to fall equally upon rich and poor alike, he will give time for the House to debate the Motion standing on the Order Paper in the name of the hon. Member for Dumbarton Burghs relative to Equality of Sacrifice in War-time?

[That this House regrets that, while hundreds of thousands of young men from all quarters of Britain have willingly sacrificed comfortable jobs and large wages for the dangers and hardships of military service at 2s. per day in their country's interest, landowners are still compelling the Government to pay large sums for the land required for aerodromes, camps. etc., necessary for the Government's war effort and calls upon the Government to implement its policy of equal sacrifice for all classes of the population either by ceasing to pay the market price for land required by the nation or by paying the full market price for the services of the young men who also have been required for the service of the country.]

Mr. Attlee

I am afraid that I cannot hold out any hope that time can be found for discussion of the Motion standing in the name of my hon. Friend.

Mr. Kirkwood

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that if he will do away with the Recess, there will be plenty of time to discuss this matter and other things which are coming on?

Mr. Attlee

My hon. Friend will remember that I have said that no decision has been come to with regard to a Recess.

Mr. Kirkwood

Seeing that the working-class, whom we on this side really represent, are called upon to work all the hours that God sends, and that their holidays are being dispensed with, is it too much to suggest to the right hon. Gentleman that time should be given to discuss this Motion, and that, in order that that may be possible, we should do away with the idea of having a Recess? That would be in conformity with the conditions existing for the workers. Is that not worth an answer?

Mr. Lees-Smith

Will my right hon. Friend take note that some of my hon. Friends will raise the point of this Motion in the ordinary course of the Business of the House?