HC Deb 17 October 1940 vol 365 cc827-8
Mr. Lees-Smith

Might I ask the Prime Minister about the future Business of the House?

The Prime Minister (Mr. Churchill)

The Business for the next three Sitting days will be:

First Sitting Day: The Second Reading of the Consolidated Fund Bill. A Debate will take place on Food Production.

Second Sitting Day: The remaining stages of the Consolidated Fund Bill, and afterwards the Second Reading of the Prolongation of Parliament Bill.

Third Sitting Day: The Committee and remaining stages of the Prolongation of Parliament Bill.

Mr. Lees-Smith

Will the Prime Minister take into account the fact that there is a certain desire among some hon. Members to have a discussion on the new Ministry of Works and Buildings, particularly with regard to its functions and the much wider questions arising out of it? Could time be found for such a discussion at the third sitting?

The Prime Minister

Yes, Sir, I think that might be convenient. By that time I shall have been able to make an announcement of what the exact functions are.

Mr. Granville

Will there be an opportunity in the near future to discuss, perhaps in Secret Session, the air attacks on this country? If so, will it be possible to issue a summary of the secret debate, through the Ministry of Information, to the public?

Commander Sir Archibald Southby

May I ask whether, at any of the three Sittings, the Prime Minister will be likely to make any further statement on the conduct of the war?

The Prime Minister

I was not thinking that that would be necessary at the present time.

Mr. E. Smith

Before the Prime Minister makes his final plans for the Ministry of Works and Buildings, may I ask whether he is considering consulting the representatives of all interests affected, particularly those in the building industry, in order that a scheme can be prepared on the most comprehensive basis possible?

The Prime Minister

Certain consultations have taken place and will no doubt continue.

Mr. Granville

Am I to understand that there will be no opportunity for the House of Commons to discuss the air attacks at the moment?

The Prime Minister

If there is a general desire, no doubt it will manifest itself through what are called the usual channels, but any Debate of that kind would not take place in public.