HC Deb 12 June 1941 vol 372 cc342-4
Mr. Pethick-Lawrence

May I ask the Lord President of the Council whether he has any statement to make on the future Business of the House?

Sir J. Anderson

Yes, Sir. The Business will be as follows:

On the first Sitting Day—Committee stage of the Ways and Means Resolution relating to payments free of Income Tax, and Committee stage of the Finance Bill.

On the second Sitting Day—Report stage of the Ways and Means Resolution, and conclusion of the Committee stage of the Finance Bill.

On the third Sitting Day— Second Reading of the Goods and Services (Price Control) Bill, and Committee stage of the necessary Money Resolution.

If there is time, we shall proceed with other outstanding Business.

Mr. Pethick-Lawrence

Can the Minister say whether it will be possible to take the Debate on shipping on one of the next Sitting Days?

Sir J. Anderson

I think we shall have to devote our time then to legislative business, but the Government hope to arrange for that Debate during the subsequent Sitting Days.

Sir P. Harris

Will the deferred Debate on the Ministry of Information take place at an early date?

Sir J. Anderson

It is hoped that that Debate may also take place during the subsequent Sitting Days.

Earl Winterton

Would it not be in accordance with the traditions of the House of Commons, in view of the fact that there is no regular Opposition, that questions concerning Business should be asked by representatives of different parties instead of being confined to a particular section of the House? In view of the fact that we have been told again and again by the Prime Minister that there is no Opposition, will the right hon. Gentleman give consideration to that point, which I venture to say, as an old Member of the House, is a perfectly proper question to put?

Sir J. Anderson

I should naturally wish to pay the greatest respect to any question which is put by my Noble Friend. I am not quite sure—no doubt it is my fault—that I have grasped the point of his question. I thought in my innocence, perhaps in my ignorance, that it was merely a matter of raising questions and that the answer to be given was not necessarily very closely connected with the personality of the questioner.

Mr. Rhys Davies

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us when copies of the Goods and Services (Price Control) Bill will be available?

Sir J. Anderson

The Bill was presented yesterday, and copies are available in the Vote Office.

Mr. Granville

In view of the fact that the Prime Minister spoke at the end of the Debate on Crete, will the House be given an opportunity, when we have disposed of Government Business, of discussing the lessons of Crete, particularly in regard to the construction and defence of aerodromes, and aircraft production?

Sir J. Anderson

I am afraid I cannot say anything on that to-day.