HC Deb 23 June 1943 vol 390 cc1156-7
45. Mr. Rickards

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the undertaking given on three occasions by the Government that an apportunity would be provided to this Parliament, if it so desired, to discuss electoral reform, he will give an opportunity for the consideration of the Motion standing on the Order Paper in the name of the hon. Member for the Skipton division and over 100 other Members?

[That this House is of opinion that a representative Conference should be set up to consider the question of electoral reform and to report at the earliest possible date.]

Mr. Eden

Having regard to the state of public business, it is not possible to give time at present for the Motion standing in the name of my hon. Friend.

Mr. Holdsworth

Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider this to be a question of paramount importance? As this Motion has been signed by Members in all parts of the House, ought not time to be given for its discussion, as it is an important matter affecting the constitution of the House of Commons?

Mr. Eden

What is of paramount importance varies according to the views of individuals.

Mr. Stokes

When will the report be made available to the House? It was promised months ago?

Mr. Eden

There is some misunderstanding. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary is making a statement on our next Sitting Day about electoral machinery.

Mr. Rickards

Does my right hon. Friend realise that we have had a promise made to us three times? Is that promise by the Government to be a mere scrap of paper?

Mr. Eden

No, Sir. As I have said, my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary is making a statement on our next Sitting Day about electoral machinery, and I think we had better await that and see what the position then is as far as a Debate is concerned.

Mr. Harvey

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that the promise did not refer to electoral machinery, but the wider question of electoral reform, and that the promise was made three times? Will not the Government give an opportunity of honouring that promise?

Mr. Eden

If a definite promise has been made, the hon. Gentleman can be sure it will be kept, but my recollection is that no definite undertaking was given to hold such a Debate within a certain period. We shall have to see what is the desire of the House.