HC Deb 25 February 1943 vol 387 cc305-7
Mr. Arthur Greenwood

Will the Leader of the House 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—Committee stage of Supplementary Estimates for the Diplomatic and Consular Services, Old Age Pensions, and Ministry of Town and Country Planning; Report stage of the Supplementary Estimates passed in Committee on 11th February; Committee and remaining stages of the War Damage (Amendment) Bill, and of the Agriculture (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill.

Second Sitting Day—It is proposed to move Mr. Speaker out of the Chair on going into Committee of Supply on the Navy Estimates, 1943, and consider Votes A and I and Navy Supplementary Estimate in Committee.

Third Sitting Day—Motion to approve the Government's proposals for the reform of the Foreign Service; Second Reading of the British Nationality and Status of Aliens Bill [Lords].

Mr. Greenwood

May I ask the Leader of the House, first, whether he would be prepared to arrange at a fairly early date for a Debate when the general Indian situation might be reviewed, because I feel the House is really ill-informed on the situation? Secondly, whether the Government, after consideration of the Report of the Select Committee on Equal Compensation, will announce their conclusions and give an opportunity for a Debate in the House?

Mr. Eden

As regards the first question, it is the Government's view that in the present state of affairs in respect of Mr. Gandhi's fast it would serve no useful purpose but rather the reverse, but, of course, we are prepared to review the situation as it develops in the course of next week. As regards the second question which the right hon. Gentleman asks, the Report, I think, was available in the Vote Office yesterday. It is now under consideration by the Government, and I hope to be able to announce during the next series of Sittings what action we propose to take.

Mr. Greenwood

I was not suggesting that the Government had had time to consider it, but only reminding the Government that the House would wish for an early opportunity for a Debate, after the Government had had time to consider the matter.

Mr. Maxton

In reference to the statement by the Leader of the House that he would consider giving a day to an Indian Debate as the situation develops, would it not be much more intelligible for this House to debate the situation in India before any tragedy happens rather than after?

Mr. Eden

I had carefully considered the reply I gave to the House. It is the Government's considered view that there will be no useful purpose served by a Debate at present.

Mr. Mander

When is it proposed to take the Committee stage of the Catering Bill? Will it be before Easter in any case?

Mr. Eden

Yes, Sir, I hope we shall be in a position to get on with it soon, but I cannot give a definite date.

Sir Herbert Williams

Will the Leader of the House bear in mind the Motion standing in my name and that of a very large number of Members for a very early date on the subject of delegated legislation?

Mr. Eden

Yes, Sir. These matters, I understand, are being considered.

Mr. Shinwell

May I ask whether the Government propose to introduce legislation dealing with the subject of old age pensions?

Mr. Eden

The work on that is proceeding, but I cannot give an actual date when it will be ready.

Mr. Shinwell

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that this was promised last Session?

Mr. Eden

If I remember aright, it was promised in the course of this Session. That promise will be kept.

Mr. Gallacher

When are we to have the promised discussion or proposals with regard to old age pensions?

Mr. Eden

That is the question I have just dealt with. The Government undertook that the proposals would be made available in the course of this Session, and they will be.

Mr. Driberg

How soon will the Government be able to make a statement regarding their reconsideration of the Beveridge Report as promised in the light of last week's Debate?