§
Motion made, and Question proposed,
That a Supplementary sum, not exceeding £2,450,000, be granted to His Majesty, to defray the charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending on the 31st day of March, 1942, for the salaries and expenses of the Ministry of Labour and National Service, including sums Payable by the Exchequer to the Unemployment Fund, grants to local authorities, associations and other bodies in respect of unemployment insurance, employment exchange and other services; expenses of transfer and resettlement; expenses of training; contribution toward: the expenses of the International Labour Organisation (League of Nations); expenses of the Industrial Court; and sundry services.
§ Mr. Buchanan (Glasgow, Gorbals)Are we to have no explanation of this Estimate from the Parliamentary Secretary?
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour (Mr. McCorquodale)Yes, Sir, but my right hon. Friend suggested, I think, that both these Estimates should be discussed on the Report stage rather than now, and I thought that was the general wish of hon. Members.
§ Mr. BuchananI am sorry I did not hear that. I am not so much concerned about the Colonies, but there are one or two things connected with the Ministry of Labour which I wish to raise. I know the limitations of this Vote, but I also realise that one can speak only once on Report, whereas the value of Committee stage Debates is that there can be a good deal of cross-talk between Members and Ministers. I have no wish to be troublesome now, but I think we ought to preserve our Committee procedure where we can to enable Members and Ministers to indulge in freer talk.
§ The Deputy-ChairmanPerhaps I might point out that this is a very limited Vote.
§ Mr. BuchananI know its limitations, but I do not think that would prevent me from having a good deal to say.
§ Question put, and agreed to.
§ Resolutions to be reported upon the next Sitting Day; Committee to sit again upon the next Sitting Day.