HC Deb 14 October 1943 vol 392 cc1057-9
Mr. Arthur Greenwood

May I ask the Prime Minister to state the Business for the next series of Sittings?

The Prime Minister

The Business for the next series of Sittings will be as follows:

First Sitting Day—Second Reading of the Regency Bill [Lords] and of the Rent of Furnished Houses Control (Scotland) Bill, and Committee and remaining stages of the Town and Country Planning (Interim Development) (Scotland) Bill.

Second Sitting Day—Committee stage of the Wage-earners' Income Tax Bill.

Third Sitting Day—Second Reading of the Workmen's Compensation (Temporary Increases) Bill.

Mr. Greenwood

May I ask the Prime Minister whether, on the third Sitting Day, there might be an extension of time for the Second Reading of the Workmen's Compensation Bill, and whether it would be possible at an early stage to arrange a Debate on the food situation in India?

The Prime Minister

It was rather hoped that this particular Bill was one which would be very largely agreed upon, and it is not expected that it will lead to a discussion requiring an alteration of the hour.

Mr. Greenwood

May I raise this question again on the next Sitting Day? And what about India?

The Prime Minister

We have a good deal of Business to get through before we rise. I should be more inclined to think it would be convenient to have that Debate, which certainly should take place, in the new Session. The measures that can be taken in India are being taken, but they all take some time to put into operation. I am inclined to think that it would be more convenient to wait, although the Government endeavour as much as possible to fall in with the wishes of the House.

Mr. Greenwood

It is a matter of urgent and definite public importance, and to postpone it until the next Session, which is some little time away now, is, I think, an undue delay.

The Prime Minister

We will do our best to try and find a way before we separate.

Sir H. Williams

Is it possible for His Majesty's Government to provide that the scope of the pay-as-you-go Bill shall be extended to cover those people who are at present excluded?

The Prime minister

The Chancellor of the Exchequer is here, laden with information, and he will be making a speech in the near future in which further light may be thrown upon this matter.

Sir H. Williams

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman can unburden himself at an earlier stage so that he can have a quieter time at the week-end?

Mr. Bowles

May we have a Debate before any commitments are entered into in connection with the currency conversations now taking place in Washington?

The Prime Minister

I do not want to peg out all our time. I will consult with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the subject, but I must not be understood to be making any promises.

Mr. Holds worth

Can the Prime Minister give a guarantee to the House that extended time will be given for the Committee stage of the Wage-earners' Income Tax Bill, as some of the Amendments are likely to take a good deal of time?

Mr. Gallacher

May I ask the Prime Minister whether, in view of the unsatisfactory nature of the two days' Debate on coal, he will let us have a further Debate?

The Prime Minister

It would be better to await some of the discussions which are to proceed between the authorities concerned.