HC Deb 11 September 1941 vol 374 cc308-9
Mr. Lees-Smith

May we be informed what will be the forthcoming Business of the House?

The Lord Privy Seal (Mr. Attlee)

The Business will be as follows:

First Sitting Day—Committee stage of a Supplementary Vote of Credit for War Expenditure.

Second Sitting Day—Report stage of the Supplementary Vote of Credit; Motions to approve certain Orders relating to the Purchase Tax, and further progress will be made with outstanding legislation.

Third Sitting Day—We shall ask the House to pass a special Consolidated Fund Bill for the Vote of Credit through all its stages.

Mr. Lees-Smith

Will the Lord Privy Seal take into account the fact that a number of hon. Members would like to have an opportunity to discuss food rationing, with special reference to the position of workers in the heavy indus- tries? Would not one of these three days provide a convenient opportunity for a discussion of that kind?

Mr. Attlee

The Business, as at present arranged, allows an opportunity for debate, and the Government will be prepared to make whatever arrangements are agreeable to the House.

Earl Winterton

As a matter of convenience for right hon. and hon. Members, would it not be possible to have made public, through the medium of the Press, some days in advance of the Sitting of the House, the subjects which are to be discussed?

Mr. Attlee

Yes, Sir, so far as is possible, but my Noble Friend will realise in these days events move fast and suddenly.