BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE. (Hansard, 1 May 1941)

§ Mr. Lees-Smith
May I ask the Lord Privy Seal whether he will state the forthcoming Business of the House?

§ The Lord Privy Seal
On the first and second Sitting Days a Debate on the progress of the war will take place on the Motion standing on the Order Paper in the name of my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister.
On the third Sitting Day we shall take the Committee stage of the Liabilities (War-Time Adjustment) Bill [Lords] and, if there is time, the Committee stage of the Public and Other Schools (War Conditions) Bill [Lords].

§ Mr. Lees-Smith
Regarding the Debate on the progress of the war, will the right hon. Gentleman consider, as a number of Members will wish to speak, putting down a Motion enabling the Sittings of the House to be extended, at any rate on the first Sitting Day?

§ Mr. Attlee
Yes, certainly. I will consult the Prime Minister on the matter. The desire of the Government will be to give the fullest opportunity to Members.

§ Earl Winterton
Would the Lord Privy Seal consult the Prime Minister also to determine whether or not it will be desirable, in view of the very curtailed time that we have for debate now, and the number of Members who try to catch Mr. Speaker's eye, to lengthen the time of the Sittings slightly?

§ Mr. Attlee
That is a matter for consideration, but on other Business recently the House has risen quite early.

§ Mr. Granville
In view of the fact that back benchers would like to take part in the Debate, apart from the big guns who take up most of the time, will not the Government consider giving an extension of time?

§ Sir A. Knox
Would it not be just as effective if Members were to shorten their speeches?

§ Earl Winterton
Will the right hon. Gentleman remember that it does not matter whether the House has been able to rise early, and that the important point is that upon important days the House should have more time for Debate?