HC Deb 19 January 1943 vol 386 cc37-8
Mr. Radford

On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. May I ask whether your attention has been called to the terms of Question No. 69 on the Order Paper in the name of the hon. Member for Harrow (Mr. Norman Bower): To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether, in order to pave the way for the closest possible economic collaboration between Great Britain and Russia after the war, he intends to initiate in the near future any further discussions with the Soviet Government with a view to reaching a mutually satisfactory solution of the Russian debt problem. In view of their mischievous nature, will you take appropriate steps to see that that Question be removed from the Order Paper?

Mr. Kirkwood

On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. I wish to draw your attention to the fact that three weeks ago I sent in a Question regarding old age pensions to the Prime Minister. Word was sent back that it had been transferred to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with the result that my Question appears on the Order Paper as No. 73. My point of Order is this: My Question is one of policy in relation to old age pensions. Policy is in the hands of the Prime Minister, not in the hands of the Chancellor of the Exchequer. I want to know whether there is any way round that, because this is a question which is interesting the people of this country about as much as any question in relation to the war and everything else. Why should it be shifted aside in this fashion?

Mr. Speaker

I think the hon. Member is unfortunate in that we have not reached Question No. 73. We have not done so, because there have been many Supplementary Questions at great length, and replies at great length as well.

Mr. Kirkwood

While thanking you, Sir, for your reply, the fact remains that this is a question of policy. It may be a matter of finance, but it is a question of policy, and I am quite entitled to put it to the Prime Minister.

Mr. Speaker

A Minister is entitled to-answer a Question with regard to policy which affects his Department.

Mr. Radford

Arising out of the point of Order I raised, have you, Mr. Speaker had an opportunity of giving it consideration?

Mr. Speaker

No, I have not.

Mr. Radford

The Question referred to debts owing by the Soviet Union to us. What are our debts to them for all they have done this past month?