HC Deb 11 February 1942 vol 377 cc1535-53
The Lord Privy Seal (Mr. Attlee)

I beg to move, That the Debate this day on the Shipping situation on the Motion for the Adjournment of the House be not restricted by the rule against anticipation. I move this Motion in order that the Debate on the shipping situation shall not be restricted in any way. I think the House would wish that, otherwise the rule against anticipation would restrict the Debate. The hon. and gallant Gentleman the Member for East Renfrew (Major Lloyd) secured first place in the Supply Ballot and has given notice to call attention to the condition of the shipyards on going into Committee of Supply on the Navy Estimates. If the House agrees to this Motion, it will enable a wide Debate to take place to-day, and it will not affect my hon. and gallant Friend's right to move his Amendment at the appropriate time.

Earl Winterton

This is a novel Motion, though I entirely agree with the right hon. Gentleman that it is a necessary one, but I think someone should make it clear—and it is advisable to do so from this Box—first that this is a procedure which should only be resorted to occasionally, as it involves great hardship on a Member who has been successful in the Ballot, and secondly that it is a debatable Motion and that it would be open to the House to discuss it.

Mr. Attlee

I think the Noble Lord is one of the very few who were Members of the House when a similar Motion was moved some time ago. It is not entirely without precedent.

Question put, and agreed to.

Ordered: That the Debate this day on the Shipping situation on the Motion for the Adjournment of the House he not restricted by the rule against anticipation.