HC Deb 21 October 1941 vol 374 cc1633-4
Mr. Lees-Smith

May I ask the Lord President of the Council whether he can make a statement with regard to the form of Business this day?

Sir J. Anderson

I think the House may perhaps like a word of explanation in regard to the Motion which appears on the Paper in the name of my right hon. Friend for the suspension of the Standing Order (Sittings of the House). After we have taken the Committee and remaining stages of the Marriage (Members of His Majesty's Forces) Bill, the Adjournment of the House will be moved. My hon. Friend the Member for Gravesend (Sir I. Albery) has given notice of his intention to raise the matter of the issue of exit permits to Members of Parliament to-day. We are therefore proposing the Motion for the suspension of the Rule in order to allow more time for that discussion. I hope that it will be found generally agreeable to the House to close the Debate on the health of the nation so that the discussion on exit permits may begin after about three and a half hours and finish then in a couple of hours' time.

Mr. Henderson Stewart

The Fish Sales (Charges) Order, 1941, is on the Order Paper to-day, and I would like to ask when that Order is likely to be taken?

Sir J. Anderson

I am afraid that I have no information on that Order.

Mr. Stewart

Perhaps my right hon. Friend will give this further explanation? Will it be taken either before or after the Recess?

Major Haden Guest

In view of the statement which has just been made, which means a curtailment of the Debate on health, which is a first-class national issue, may I ask when we shall be able to have a Debate on health, as two hours are certainly not sufficient?

Sir J. Anderson

I assure the House that there is no desire on the part of the Government to curtail the Debate on this important subject, but it may perhaps occur to hon. Members that there will be opportunities to debate this matter again quite soon, if that is desired.

Mr. Bevan

Does not the right hon. Gentleman see the obvious contradiction between frequent and unnecessarily prolonged. Recesses and the severe curtailment of Debates at the present time?

Sir J. Anderson

I do not think that there is any contradiction.