HC Deb 05 November 1940 vol 365 cc1204-5
Mr. Lees-Smith

Might I ask the Prime Minister whether he has any statement to make about the Business of the House?

The Prime Minister

I shall make a statement on the War Situation to-day, on the Motion for the Adjournment of the House. This will give an opportunity for a Debate which I am informed, through the usual channels, is generally desired.

On the next Sitting day we shall take the Committee stage of the Supplementary Estimate for Supplementary Old Age and Widows' Pensions and consider the Government of India Order now before the House.

On the third Sitting day we shall take the Committee stage of the following Supplementary Estimates: Further Grant-in-Aid to the Central Committee for Refugees, Grant-in-Aid for the British Association for International Understanding and for Camps.

Mr. Silverman

Has not the time come when this practice of referring to "the next Sitting day" instead of stating the date, might be reconsidered?[HON. MEMBERS: "No."] I only asked whether it might be reconsidered. I think the country generally knows that the House meets at a certain time. When people working in factories up and down the country cannot conceal the days and times at which they are working, is there any real reason why we should conceal the days and times at which we are meeting?

The Prime Minister

I had an opportunity some time ago of judging this question very fully, and I really do not think that I have anything to add.