§ 45. Mr. Tinkerasked the Prime Minister whether he will consider giving the necessary Parliamentary time to discuss the Notice of Motion standing in the names of the hon. Members for Leigh, Stoke (Mr. Ellis Smith) and Dumbarton Burghs (Mr. Kirkwood) relating to the removal of the ban on the "Daily Worker"?
§ The Lord Privy Seal (Mr. Attlee)No, Sir.
§ Mr. TinkerIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the ban dates from over 12 months ago, and that since that time the people who controlled the paper have certainly kept their rights of citizenship and have helped the war effort, and further that the trade unions have sent in resolutions calling for an examination of the matter? In view of that, cannot he give time for a discussion?
§ Sir I. AlberyAs this raises an issue in which the only appeal is to the House of Commons, does not the right hon. Gentleman think it desirable that some facility should be given for a discussion on the subject?
§ Mr. AttleeIt could be raised on the Adjournment.
§ Sir I. AlberyBut will the Government give facilities on the Adjournment?
Mr. J. J. DavidsonHas this matter been considered recently by the Cabinet from the point of view of the unfortunate effect the ban has on war production, and, if so, could he say when?
§ Mr. AttleeNot without notice.
§ Mr. KirkwoodIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Amalgamated Society of Engineers, representing 100,000 engineers, and other unions have appealed for this ban to be removed? Has any consideration been given to that? Owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I wish to give notice that I intend to raise the matter on the Adjournment.