45. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Prime Minister whether he can give an assurance that at the earliest possible moment after the cessation of hostilities the Government will take steps to restore to Members of Parliament the right to introduce Bills and other rights which have been suspended and dispensed with during the period of hostilities?
§ The Deputy Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)Yes, Sir. It is the Government's desire to restore Private Members' time as soon as practicable after the war.
Mr. De le BèreIs it not a fact that the House has accepted gladly the restriction while the war continues, but Members want to regain their rights immediately after the cessation of hostilities, and will my right hon. Friend pay special attention to reducing the number of Orders in Council, which the House, in the main, does not care very much about?
§ Mr. ManderMy right hon. Friend says "as soon as practicable after the war," but surely it is the intention of the Government to restore Private Members' rights at once?
§ Mr. HoldsworthWould it not be the right of the House and not the Government to decide that?
§ Mr. AttleeThat is quite right, but I am sure my hon. Friend would not wish the Government to do something that was not practicable.