HC Deb 11 February 1943 vol 386 cc1451-3
Mr. Arthur Greenwood

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

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

The first, second and third Sittings Days will be set apart for a Debate on Sir William Beveridge's Report on Social Insurance and Allied Services. The Debate will take place upon a Motion standing in the names of Members of all parties supporting the Government.

[That this House welcomes the Report of Sir William Beveridge on Social Insurance and Allied Services as a comprehensive review of the present provisions in this sphere and as a valuable aid in determining the lines on which developments and legislation should be pursued as part of the Government's policy of post-war reconstruction.]

During the week we shall ask the House to agree to the Committee and remaining stages of the House of Commons Disqualification (Temporary Provisions) Bill.

Mr. Greenwood

May I follow a question I put to my right hon. Friend two days ago, arising out of the difficulty that I am sure many Members are in, in giving proper consideration to so weighty a statement as that which the Prime Minister will be making immediately following that statement? Would it be possible for my right hon. Friend to make arrangements at an early date for a further Debate on the War Situation?

Mr. Eden

The arrangements have been made for this occasion, and time has been allowed to enable a discussion to take place after the Prime Minister has spoken, so that I think that for this particular occasion that arrangement might stand. As to whether it is possible or desirable to change the present system, I am quite ready to consider that and examine it through the usual channels.

Mr. Henderson Stewart

May I ask two questions about which I have been in communication with the right hon. Gentleman? Is a member of the Government likely to speak early in the Debate on the Beveridge Report, and, secondly, as there is a Motion standing in my name and that of hon. Members of every other party, dealing with Forestry, may we expect that at an early date there will be a Debate on this very important subject?

[That in order to secure the best co-ordinated use of Scottish land in the national interests for the production of food and timber it is desirable that the functions of the Forestry Commission as they affect Scotland should be vested in a special Forestry Division of the Scottish Department of Agriculture, thereafter to be known as the Scottish Department of Agriculture and Forestry.]

Mr. Eden

With regard to the first question, the answer is "Yes." A statement will be made by a member of the Government during the early stages of the Debate on the Beveridge Report. As regards the second question, I cannot give an undertaking, though if an opportunity could be found, I should not be opposed to it. I cannot, however, give any undertaking.

Mr. Rhys Davies

Has the right hon. Gentleman noted the fact that there is a Motion on the Order Paper standing in the name of 94 Members of this House asking for a declaration of peace aims? Can we have a Debate on that?

[That this House would welcome a Declaration by His Majesty's Government, in conjunction with the United Nations, clarifying, amending and enlarging the Atlantic Charter, so that the peoples of the world, friendly, neutral and enemy alike, may be better informed of the aims for which the United Nations are fighting.]

Mr. Eden

I am afraid I cannot give any undertaking on that.

Mr. Stokes

Arising out of the reply which the Leader of the House has just given, is he aware that there is very wide interest in the country on this matter and that I have addressed no fewer than 100 meetings about it?

Mr. Eden

I have no doubt that there is very wide interest, and I am sure the hon. Gentleman is hoping to stimulate it. But for the moment I am dealing only with Business.

Mr. Gallacher

In view of the fact that during the discussion on the Beveridge Report many questions may be asked in conection with old age pensions, can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Government intend to provide the opportunity for a separate discussion on this question? If that were done, it would obviate points on this question being made during the Debate on the Beveridge Report.

Mr. Eden

I could not give a date at present, but, of course, the subject will be open for discussion during the Debate which will take place during our next series of Sittings.

Sir Herbert Williams

May I ask a question which is not so important? Will my right hon. Friend arrange for a Debate before 1st March—when it comes into effect—on the Order published by the Board of Trade to-day relating to hire purchase?

Mr. Eden

Perhaps my hon. Friend will be good enough to let me consider that, as I have not had notice of it.

Sir F. Fremantle

May we have a statement in regard to the Business for to-day?

Mr. Eden

My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister is about to make his statement on the Adjournment, and it will be open for debate.