HC Deb 19 February 1941 vol 369 cc146-7
36. Mr. Tinker

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider extending the time of the Sittings of the House by one hour and thus give more time to the discussions as at present it is too limited?

The Lord Privy Seal (Mr. Attlee)

My hon. Friend will be aware that the hours of Sitting were recently extended, and I do not think that it would be desirable at present to propose a further extension.

Mr. Tinker

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that to-day there will be a discussion on mining, and I can vouch for it that there will not be sufficient time to exhaust the matter?

Mr. Magnay

Would it not be a far simpler plan to ask the Front Benchers on both sides to restrict their speeches to reasonable limits? They not only take a good deal of time, but they encroach on eternity.

Mr. Attlee

I said that this matter was being studied. The position is being watched from time to time.

Mr. Levy

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is a consensus of opinion, certainly on this side of the House, that there is no need to extend the hours of Sitting at all, and that to do so would be only for the benefit of the Opposition?