HC Deb 04 February 1943 vol 386 cc1057-9
Mr. Arthur Greenwood

May I ask the Leader of the House whether he will state the Business for the next series of Sittings?

The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Eden)

The Business will be as follows:

First Sitting Day—Second Reading of the Catering Wages Bill and Committee stage of the necessary Money Resolution.

Second Sitting Day—Second Reading of the War Damage (Amendment) Bill and Committee stage of the necessary Money Resolution; Second Reading of the House of Commons Disqualification Bill; Committee and remaining stages of the Universities and Colleges (Trusts) Bill.

Third Sitting Day—Committee stage of the Supplementary Estimates, beginning with Colonial and Middle Eastern Services (including a grant in aid to Malta); Committee and remaining stages of the Agriculture (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill.

I am aware that the House is anxious to have a statement on the War Situation. The Government desire to meet the wishes of the House, and it will, therefore, be understood that the Business statement which I have made is subject to alteration.

Mr. Greenwood

Should it be that the war discussion were to take place on the first Sitting Day clearly there would have to be a substantial alteration of Business and the Second Reading of the Catering Wages Bill would come on another day?

Mr. Eden

On whichever day it comes, adjustments will be necessary in the Business arranged.

Sir Douglas Hacking

Arising out of the Business for the first Sitting Day, if the Government succeed in obtaining a Second Reading of the Bill on that day, will they consider referring the Bill to a Select Committee immediately after the Second Reading?

Mr. Eden

I am afraid that I cannot give my right hon. Friend that assurance.

Mr. Clement Davies

May I ask whether the statement on the War Situation will be made on the Adjournment, so as to give the House an opportunity of discussion, or will it be made as a statement and another opportunity for a full discussion given to the House soon afterwards?

Mr. Eden

I would have to consider that a little nearer the time. I would not like to give a committal now; probably, I imagine, on the Adjournment.

Commander Bower

May I ask the Leader of the House whether it is the intention of the Prime Minister to ask the House, in connection with the Catering Wages Bill, to release him from the pledge given that controversial legislation would not be introduced?

Mr. Eden

No, Sir. I think that my hon. and gallant Friend, when he hears the speech for the Second Reacting of the Bill, will satisfy himself that the Government have satisfied themselves that no such explanation is necessary.

Sir Percy Harris

Is it to be understood that mention of sweating is a controversial matter?

Sir L. Lyle

Is it not a fact that the Minister of Labour said it was not a sweated industry?

Major Markham

Can my right hon. Friend say whether time will be found in the near future for a discussion on the Beveridge Report?

Mr. Eden

Oh, yes, Sir, certainly, but I cannot give the exact date now.

Mr. Stokes

May I ask the Leader of the House whether he is yet able to give any indication when a day will be allotted for a full Debate on tank production and design; and further, is he aware that when the truth does come to light it will prove to be as big a scandal as the scandal of the shells in the last war?

Mr. Eden

I am afraid I am still unable to give satisfaction to my hon. Friend.