§ Mr. Lees-SmithMay I ask the Prime Minister whether he will say what business the House will take at its next meeting?
§ The Prime MinisterOn the next occasion on which we meet, by the leave of the House, ascertained through the usual channels, the Adjournment will be moved, and a Debate will take place on Defence Against Air Raids. At the next subsequent meeting, the Committee stage of the Supplementary Estimate for old-age and widows' pensions will be taken. I think that that meets the point of my right hon. Friend.
§ Mr. A BevanIs it the intention of the Government to make a statement as to the policy on supplementary old-age pensions?
§ The Prime MinisterI am sorry that my hon. Friend has asked me that question because I am not able to reply.
§ Mr. ManderOn the business to be taken on the second occasion on which the House meets, shall we be given any opportunity for discussing the principles of the War Savings (Determination of Needs) Bill, which is under consideration?
§ The Prime MinisterI am afraid that I cannot answer that question.
§ Sir H. WilliamsCan my right hon. Friend give any indication when the Air-Raid Insurance Bill is likely to be introduced?
§ The Prime MinisterI cannot give any indication now.
§ Mr. BuchananCan we get from the Prime Minister some idea as to what we are to discuss when we meet to consider old age pensions? Surely we are entitled to know what is the point at issue which is to be discussed when we deal with this question?
§ The Prime MinisterI will see to it that the House receives the necessary information.
§ Mr. StephenCannot the Prime Minister tell us whether it is proposed to abolish the means test?
§ The Prime MinisterI think that it would be a great mistake to attempt to anticipate the debate.
§ Mr. BuchananCan the Prime Minister say whether any of these coming Sessions that he has announced are to he held in private?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir, I think that the one on Air Defence Precautions had better be in public, but, of course, I hope that hon. Members, wherever they sit, will keep their eye on the enemy.
§ Mr. GallacherWe have had a half promise that an inquiry will be made into supplementary pensions, and in a discussion on the subject cannot a statement be made by the Minister on supplementary pensions and how they are operating to-day?
§ The Prime MinisterI have no doubt that a statement will be made by the Minister during the course of the debate.