HC Deb 08 December 1943 vol 395 cc965-7
45. Mr. Tinker

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that a Petition signed by over 4,090,000 electors for increases in the weekly amount to old age pensioners was presented to the House on 2nd November, 1943, by the hon. Member for Bridgeton (Mr. Maxton); that this Petition has not been submitted to the Committee on Public Petitions for them to consider whether such Petition should have a hearing from the Bar of the Chamber; and will he consider making arrangements to have the Standing Orders on Public Petitions examined with a view to renewing the custom of allowing such petitioners to plead their case before the House?

The Deputy Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)

The Petition to which my hon. Friend refers was found, when examined, not to comply with the Rules of the House. In accordance with the usual practice it was, therefore, not submitted to the Committee on Public Petitions, whose function, I would remind my hon. Friend, is to classify and prepare abstracts of Petitions in whatever manner the Committee considers best suited to convey to the House all requisite information respecting their contents. With regard to the last part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to what I said on 3rd November last arising out of the statement on Business.

Mr. Tinker

If there were two mistakes in the Petition, would it not be as well if it were sent to the Committee so that they would be able to advise further petitioners on the course they should take? Nobody knows what to do, and it appears that we are keeping members of the public from their rights of appealing to the House.

Mr. Attlee

I am not in a position to alter the Rules of the House. They are laid down, and petitioners have to comply with them.

Mr. Shinwell

If the Petition is not in Order to go before the Committee on Public Petitions, have the Government taken any notice of the fact that 4,000,000 persons desire a change in the old age pension position?

Mr. Attlee

That is another question altogether.

Mr. Shinwell

What is the reply to it?

Mr. Attlee

I have already replied.

Mr. Silverman

Could my right hon. Friend say in what respect the Petition failed to comply with the Rules of the House and whether any intimation of the defects has been conveyed to the petitioners?

Mr. Attlee

First, it was not addressed to the House; and second, it prayed for public money which was not recommended by the Crown.

Mr. Tinker

I beg to give notice that I will raise this matter on the first opportunity, as it wants clearing up.