HC Deb 13 March 1941 vol 369 cc1429-30
Mr. Lees-Smith

Might I ask the Lord Privy Seal to state the Business of the House on forthcoming days?

Mr. Attlee

The Business will be as follows: On the first Sitting Day: Report stage of the Army, Navy and Air Estimates; and a Motion to approve the Cold Storage (Charges) (No. 2) Order.

On the second Sitting Day: Second Reading of the Consolidated Fund Bill; Debate on the Ministry of Works and Buildings.

On the third Sitting Day: Committee and remaining stages of the Consolidated Fund Bill; Debate on Woman-Power.

The Debate on the Concentration of Industry will take place in the near future.

Earl Winterton

Is my right hon. Friend aware that my right hon. Friend the Member for Carnarvon Boroughs (Mr. Lloyd George) and a number of us in different parts of the House desire to press most earnestly for a Debate on food production in the near future? Will he consider allowing that to take place on the Appropriation Bill, or on some other occasion before Easter?

Mr. Attlee

The request has been noted, and we shall endeavour to arrange for a Debate as soon as possible, having regard to the Business before the House.

Mr. Granville

On a previous occasion the right hon. Gentleman said that he would consider whether the House might sit extra time, or on another day, for a Debate on this question. Has he given the matter such consideration?

Mr. Attlee

Some consideration has been given to that, but it does not appear that the majority of Members of the House find that it would be convenient to sit the extra day at the present time—[Interruption.]—I am endeavouring to find out the opinion of the House, and I am not persuaded at present that it is the general desire of the House. If it should be found necessary for Government Business, of course, it will have to be done.

Mr. Magnay

Is it not evident that the House is the best judge of the feelings of the House, because in this time of emergency the usual channels do not function properly? Why not take a vote or a show of hands or something now? We would soon settle it.

Mr. Thome

Is the Lord Privy Seal in a position to state when the Prime Minister will make a statement in connection with the international situation?

Mr. Attlee

No, Sir, I cannot say at present.