HC Deb 21 July 1943 vol 391 cc900-1
Mr. Arthur Greenwood

May I ask the Leader of the House whether he has any statement to make on the course of Business on the next Sitting Day?

Mr. Eden

Yes, Sir, I have a brief statement to make. The Canadian. Government have asked, as a matter of urgency, for a Bill amending the British North America Acts to be submitted to Parliament here. The object of the Bill is to postpone until the cessation of hostilities a redistribution of seats in the Canadian Parliament, which would otherwise now be necessary under the British North America Acts. Under the provisions of the Statute of Westminster, legislation amending the British North America Acts is reserved to Parliament here.

The Bill is expected to be received from another place during the course of to-day's Sitting, and copies are now available in the Vote Office for the convenience of hon. Members. In view of the urgency, I trust that the House will be agreeable to passing the Bill through all its stages as first Order on the next Sitting Day, before we proceed with the Business already announced for consideration.

Mr. Maxton

Has this matter been before the Canadian Parliament, or is it merely a request from the Canadian Government?

Mr. Eden

It comes to us on a petition, as I understand, on a decision of the Canadian Parliament.

Sir Percy Harris

Is it not a fact that all parties in the Canadian Parliament agreed to the postponement, and that, therefore, it is a unanimous decision of that Parliament?

Mr. Eden

Yes, Sir; I think that is exactly the position. As I said, under the Statute of Westminster the matter comes here, and I trust that, as the Canadian Parliament and people have asked us to do so, we shall deal with it expeditiously.

Mr. Maxton

Will the right hon. Gentleman find out what happened in the Canadian Parliament, as I may ask him about it in the Debate on the Bill?

Mr. Eden

The hon. Member may ask any question he likes then. But I have been asked now to state the Business, not to debate the Business.

Mr. Maxton

I mentioned that only as a matter of courtesy, so that the right hon. Gentleman might not be caught in a position of not knowing the facts, as he was to-day.

Mr. Eden

I am deeply grateful to my hon. Friend for his solicitude.

Mr. Leach

Has a date been fixed for a discussion on the White Paper on education, and, if so, what is the date?

Mr. Speaker

We are dealing with the Business for the next Sitting Day. The hon. Member should ask that question when the Business for the next series of Sittings is announced.