HC Deb 02 April 1941 vol 370 cc1006-7
Mr. Lees-Smith

May I ask the Lord Privy Seal whether the Prime Minister will be able to make his statement on the war situation and to move the Resolution of congratulation to the Navy, Army and Air Force, on the day before the Easter Adjournment, so as to leave the Adjournment day free, according to Parliamentary practice, for private Members to raise matters in which they are interested?

Mr. Attlee

My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has had notice of this Question, and he authorises me to say that he will make his statement and propose the Resolution on the day before the Adjournment for the Easter Recess, as he understands this arrangement will be more convenient to the House generally. With regard to the Business for to-day, the House will be aware that it is important for the National Service Bill, the Isle of Man (Detention) Bill and the Army and Air Force (Annual) Bill to be passed before the Adjournment. We hoped that it would be possible to dispose of these Bills yesterday, but it was very obvious that the programme was overloaded. We are suspending the Standing Order to-day, in order to conclude the Committee stage and obtain the remaining stages of the National Service Bill and to obtain the Committee and remaining stages of the Isle of Man (Detention) Bill. We venture to hope that the Debate on the Motion to move Mr. Deputy-Speaker out of the Chair on Civil Estimates will be concluded at a reasonable hour, in order that there may be time to dispose of these two Bills without sitting late. We shall take the Army and Air Force (Annual) Bill on the next Sitting Day.

Mr. Granville

Will the Prime Minister's statement be made in-Public Session?

Mr. Attlee

Yes, Sir, in Public Session.?

Sir W. Davison

We are all looking forward to the opportunity of expressing our thanks to the Navy, Army and Air Force; but may I ask whether, when we have a great naval victory in future such as we had on Thursday last, the flags on Government offices may be flown in this country as is done on such occasions in every other country in the world, so that people may realise that we are thankful for what the Forces have done?

Mr. Attlee

I will bring the matter to the notice of my right hon. Friend. Ordered, That the Proceedings on Government Business be exempted at this day's Sitting, from the provisions of the Standing Order (Sittings of the House)."—[Mr. Attlee.]