HC Deb 06 April 1944 vol 398 cc2167-8
42. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Prime Minister if he will move to appoint a Select Committee that shall have authority to send for persons and papers, to inquire into the future of the Parliamentary machinery and consider how it should best be adapted to meet the post-war needs and, while preserving the rights of Private Members, function with speed and efficiency.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Churchill)

No, Sir.

Mr. Smith

But has my right hon. Friend seen the informative article which appeared yesterday in "The Times" and, if so, will he, before the Noble Lord the Member for Horsham and Worthing (Earl Winterton) raises this matter on the Adjournment, give it further sympathetic consideration.

The Prime Minister

No, Sir, I do not think I have anything to add to what I have said. Of course, I always endeavour to assimilate information from the public Press and to gather wisdom wherever I can, and the forthcoming Debate on the Adjournment, although a short one, may throw new light on the difficulties.

Mr. Shinwell

Does my right hon. Friend always consider "The Times" to be a well informed newspaper.

The Prime Minister

It is far from my duty to give out bouquets or the reverse to the newspapers.