HC Deb 01 December 1943 vol 395 cc478-9

Motion made, and Question proposed, That a Select Committee be appointed to examine the current expenditure defrayed out of moneys provided by Parliament for the Defence Services, for Civil Defence and for other services directly connected with the war, and to report what, if any, economies consistent with the execution of the policy decided by the Government may be effected therein."—[Major Sir James Edmondson.]

Mr. Muff (Kingston-upon-Hull, East) rose—

Mr. Speaker

Does the hon. Member wish to object?

Mr. Muff

I could give very good reasons why I oppose and object.

Major C. S. Taylor (Eastbourne)

I do not rise to oppose this Motion to appoint 32 Members—

Sir Herbert Williams (Croydon, South)

On a point of Order. Is it not the wrong Motion?

Major Taylor

I am sorry. I cannot hear a word.

Mr. Speaker

The Motion has been opposed and therefore cannot be taken to-day.

Sir H. Williams

In the confusion there must have been misunderstanding. The hon. Member for East Hull (Mr. Muff) was opposing, as he thought, the Motion that the strength of the Committee with regard to the kitchen and refreshment rooms should be seven instead of 17. In the noise there has been a complete confusion.

Mr. Muff

I do not need any instruction from the hon. Member for South Croydon (Sir H. Williams). I wish he would go West. On a point of Order, I am objecting, until reasonable time can be given, to the reappointment of the Select Committee on National Expenditure because one of the members of it is the hon. Member for South Croydon.

Debate further adjourned; to be resumed upon the next Sitting Day.